submit from fear; intimidate into submission
Meanings
2 senses · 6 examplesverb
to submit out of fear; to yield due to intimidation
Describes a state of yielding or obedience caused by fear, awe, or overwhelming force. Often used in formal or literary contexts.
Under the deterrence of overwhelming military force, the enemy finally submitted out of fear.
Faced with the majesty of the law, he had no choice but to submit.
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This powerful aura subdued everyone present with awe.
verb
to intimidate into submission; to subdue by inspiring fear
Causative usage indicating the act of using fear, threats, or overwhelming power to force others into submission. The subject is the intimidator, and the object is the one being subdued.
The general subdued the rebel troops by military force.
This nuclear weapon is sufficient to intimidate any potential aggressor into submission.
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He subdued the noisy students with a stern gaze.