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Gene93 Posted 11 years ago
Vocabulary

subdue/suppress the urge to...

Hello,
Can they both be used in this sentence: "She couldn't subdue/suppress the urge to run after him."? Does subdue sound unnatural?
  

Top answer

"Subdue" is not wrong in that context, but it sounds a bit awkward. I would go with "suppress".

— Xerxes

  • "Subdue" is not wrong in that context, but it sounds a bit awkward.
  • I would go with "suppress".
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8 Answers
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"Subdue" is not wrong in that context, but it sounds a bit awkward. I would go with "suppress".
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I agree. I read its definition and it made me think. I think it's more about defeating someone (rebels/barbarians) or restraining someone.
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Gene93Does subdue sound unnatural?
Yes, it does.

CJ
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Could you, please have a look at the other post, Jim?
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Gene93other post
Other?

Link?

CJ
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The one I posted three minutes ago. Anyway, I will say it again. I personally think that "subdue" is more often used in contexts in which physical force is used (but not necessarily). Rebels, enemy forces can be subdued. Someone who is behaving in an uncontrollable way can be subdued as well. Right?
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Gene93The one I posted three minutes ago. Anyway, I will say it again. I personally think that "subdue" is more often used in contexts in which physical force is used (but not necessarily). Rebels, enemy forces can be subdued. Someone who is behaving in an uncontrollable way can be subdued as well. Right?
Right.

CJ
__________

So yo
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Don't worry, I am used to it. Happens to me all the time.
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