subversive
[suh b-vur-siv]
- Also sub·ver·sion·ar·y [suh b-vur-zhuh-ner-ee, -shuh-] /səbˈvɜr ʒəˌnɛr i, -ʃə-/. tending or intending to subvert or overthrow, destroy, or undermine an established or existing system, especially a legally constituted government or a set of beliefs.
- a person who adopts subversive principles or policies.
Origin of subversive
Synonyms
See more synonyms on Thesaurus.com1. traitorous, treacherous, seditious, destructive.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for subversiveness
Contemporary Examples
You don't perceive the subversiveness of literature when you live in a free society.
The Politics of Literature: An interview with Nobel laureate Mario Vargas LlosaMichael Moynihan
October 10, 2013
But her subversiveness has its bounds, and this is what makes her such a skilled politician.
Historical Examples
Moreover, a certain suspicion of subversiveness and license clung about the press.
Renaissance in Italy, Volume 2 (of 7)John Addington Symonds
The subversiveness of Mr. Leath's opinions was enhanced by the distinction of his appearance and the reserve of his manners.
The ReefEdith Wharton
subversive
- liable to subvert or overthrow a government, legally constituted institution, etc
- a person engaged in subversive activities, etc
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for subversiveness
subversive
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper