"Subdue" means to control a group of people. So, I expected that "subdued" to mean "people/things under control". So, I expected to use it like "subdued people/nations/groups/countries/etc.". However, it apparently means something else.
So, what other terms I can use for my purpose above, "groups or people under sovereignty or control (of a historical Empire)"?
Subdue does have several uses, but really only one meaning - to bring something under control.
If you were to describe a colour as "subdued" it means that it is muted, not too loud - as if controlled.
Similarly if a person is described as "subdued" they may be sullen, as if controlled by their emotions.
If you want to use it to describe groups or people under sovereignty or control, don't be put off by the other uses - context will make the meaning clear.
However, subdued in this sense also describes that action of bringing people or a country under control, or subjection. Using the word subdued implies that there may have been some military act such as an invasion. If you simply want to state that a group or nation is under the control of another without getting into the history of how that came about, you may want to choose a word other than subdued.
Synonyms of subdued in the sense of a military takeover include:
As you can see, these mostly have negative connotations.
To simply show sovereignty you could use:
Well, subdue is a verb and the general usage of this verb is subdue something. And, it is not always the case of people or group. You can subdue your evil part as well!
There could be many words to describe groups/people under some control. Now, if the control is of some fascist or dictator, the only word that comes to my mind is slave.
You can describe someone as a slave when they are completely under the control of another person or of a powerful influence.
Though, let others pour in with their opinions.
Subdued can be either enforced or voluntary.
"The army subdued the citizens after the invasion, imposing curfews & arresting people for the slightest misdemeanour."
"If you consider the effusive way people from the Mediterranean greet each other, then look to the English, you will see they are far more subdued."
Additionally colours can be subdued, ie not very bright.
Subdued sounds are not very loud.
