subversion

American  

[suhb-vur-zhuhn, -shuhn] / səbˈvɜr ʒən, -ʃən /

noun

1. an act or instance of subverting.

2. the state of being subverted; destruction.

3. something that subverts or overthrows.

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subversion British  

/ səbˈvɜːʃən /

noun

1. the act or an instance of subverting or overthrowing a legally constituted government, institution, etc

2. the state of being subverted; destruction or ruin

3. something that brings about an overthrow

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Other Word Forms

• antisubversion noun
• nonsubversion noun

Etymology

Origin of subversion

1350–1400; Middle English < Late Latin subversiōn- (stem of subversiō ) an overthrowing. See sub-, version

Example Sentences

The national-security regulations, which were expanded last year, feature broad provisions against subversion and foreign collusion that have been used to clamp down on popular expressions of dissent.

From The Wall Street Journal

That revolution, in 1936, brought the hard left to the fore: The economy fell under the control of workers’ organizations, and subversion of the constitution was widespread.

From The Wall Street Journal

“And so it’s going to have to double down and triple down on voter suppression and election subversion if it’s to have a chance in 2026.”

From Salon

There have been a deluge of examples of this subversion in recent days.

From Los Angeles Times

Think subversion through infiltration — or revolution through stealth.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• destruction