Unsubdued: meaning, definitions and examples
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unsubdued
[ ʌn.səˈbjuːd ]
not tamed
Unsubdued refers to a state of not being subdued or brought under control. It describes someone or something that remains wild, free, or unrestrained. The term often implies a resistance to authority or oppression.
Synonyms
unconquered, unrestrained, untamed, wild
Examples of usage
- The unsubdued spirit of the horse made it difficult to train.
- Her unsubdued nature often caused conflicts with authority figures.
- The unsubdued landscape was a challenge for explorers.
- The artist's unsubdued vision transformed the art world.
Etymology
The word 'unsubdued' is derived from the prefix 'un-', meaning 'not', and the past participle 'subdued', which originates from the Latin verb 'subducere', meaning 'to lead away, withdraw'. The Latin root consists of 'sub-' meaning 'under' and 'ducere' meaning 'to lead'. This term has been used since the early 19th century to describe individuals, animals, or situations that resist control or oppression. It embodies a sense of defiance and resilience, reflecting an ongoing relationship with power dynamics. Historically, the adjective has been employed in literary and conversational contexts to evoke imagery of independence and wildness, often in a poetic or romantic sense.