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
{f} conquer, overcome, defeat; gain control over, bring into submission, master; reduce the intensity of; cultivate land
If soldiers or the police subdue a group of people, they defeat them or bring them under control by using force. Senior government officials admit they have not been able to subdue the rebels