Bedwongen

Bedwongen is the past participle of the Dutch verb bedwingen, meaning to subdue, quell, or restrain. As an adjective, bedwongen describes something that has been brought under control or constrained, either physically or metaphorically. The form is commonly used in passive constructions and in descriptions of actions that have already been completed.

Etymology and form: Bedloeden derives from be- plus dwingen, the verb meaning to force or compel. The prefix be- and the root dwingen combine to express bringing something under control, with bedwongen functioning as the participial form used to modify nouns or appear in predicative position.

Usage: Bedwongen appears in contexts where control or suppression is achieved. It can refer to the physical restraint of a threat, the quelling of a rebellion, or the tempering of emotions or natural forces. In Dutch, it often conveys a neutral to slightly formal tone, suitable for news reporting, historical writing, or literary description. The term is not typically used to describe ongoing processes; rather, it indicates that control has been attained.

Examples: De opstand is bedwongen. (The uprising has been subdued.) De rivier werd bedwongen door dijken en dammen. (The river was contained by dikes and dams.) In a figurative sense, menigten werden bedwongen door kalmerende maatregelen.

See also: bedwingen, beteugelen, onderwerpen, temmen.