subduction

noun

sub·​duc·​tion (ˌ)səb-ˈdək-shən 

: the action or process in plate tectonics of the edge of one crustal plate descending below the edge of another

subduct

(ˌ)səb-ˈdəkt 

verb

Examples of subduction in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

They're triggered when earthquakes cause a sudden movement of the ocean floor, typically from vertical shifts associated with subduction zones where one tectonic plate slips under the other. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024

The Triple Junction is the point that the Northwest’s northern Cascadia subduction zone and the southern San Andreas Fault system meet. —Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 6 Dec. 2024

When the subduction zone ruptures, estimates suggest thousands of people will die and hundreds of thousands of buildings will be destroyed. —NBC News, 5 Dec. 2024

In contrast, the North American craton underwent trench retreat following flat-slab subduction but did not exhibit significant slab rollback. —Devika Rao, theweek, 30 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French, from Late Latin subduction-, subductio withdrawal, from Latin subducere to withdraw, from sub- + ducere to draw — more at tow entry 1

First Known Use

1970, in the meaning defined above