† subˈvene,v.Obs.rare—1. [ad. L. subvenīre, f.sub- sub- 26 + venīre to come.] intr. To come as a relief or remedy. 1756Warburton View Bolingbroke's Philos. iv. 213 A future state must needs subvene, to prevent the whole Edifice from falling into ruin.