Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Subdue \Sub*due"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Subdued}; p. pr. & vb.
   n. {Subduing}.] [OE. soduen, OF. sosduire to seduce, L.
   subtus below (fr. sub under) + ducere to lead. See {Duke},
   and cf. {Subduct}.]
   1. To bring under; to conquer by force or the exertion of
      superior power, and bring into permanent subjection; to
      reduce under dominion; to vanquish.

            I will subdue all thine enemies.      --1 Chron.
                                                  xvii. 10.

   2. To overpower so as to disable from further resistance; to
      crush.

            Nothing could have subdued nature To such a lowness,
            but his unkind daughters.             --Shak.

            If aught . . . were worthy to subdue The soul of
            man.                                  --Milton.

   3. To destroy the force of; to overcome; as, medicines subdue
      a fever.

   4. To render submissive; to bring under command; to reduce to
      mildness or obedience; to tame; as, to subdue a stubborn
      child; to subdue the temper or passions.

   5. To overcome, as by persuasion or other mild means; as, to
      subdue opposition by argument or entreaties.

   6. To reduce to tenderness; to melt; to soften; as, to subdue
      ferocity by tears.

   7. To make mellow; to break, as land; also, to destroy, as
      weeds.

   8. To reduce the intensity or degree of; to tone down; to
      soften; as, to subdue the brilliancy of colors.

   Syn: To conquer; overpower; overcome; surmount; vanquish. See
        {Conquer}.

Subdued \Sub*dued"\, a.
   1. Conquered; overpowered; crushed; submissive; mild.

   2. Not glaring in color; soft in tone.

Source : WordNet®

subdued
     adj 1: in a softened tone; "hushed voices"; "muted trumpets"; "a
            subdued whisper"; "a quiet reprimand" [syn: {hushed},
            {muted}, {quiet}]
     2: restrained in style or quality; "a little masterpiece of
        low-keyed eloquence" [syn: {low-key}, {low-keyed}]
     3: quieted and brought under control; "children were subdued
        and silent"
     4: lacking in light; not bright or harsh; "a dim light beside
        the bed"; "subdued lights and soft music" [syn: {dim}]