subversive

[suhb-vur-siv]

adjective

1. Also subversionary 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.

   Synonyms: destructive, seditious, treacherous, traitorous

noun

1. a person who adopts subversive principles or policies.

subversive

/ səbˈvɜːsɪv /

adjective

1. liable to subvert or overthrow a government, legally constituted institution, etc

noun

1. a person engaged in subversive activities, etc

Other Word Forms

• subversively adverb
• subversiveness noun
• subversivism noun
• countersubversive noun
• nonsubversive adjective
• nonsubversively adverb
• nonsubversiveness noun
• self-subversive adjective
• unsubversive adjective
• unsubversively adverb
• unsubversiveness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of subversive¹

1635–45; < Latin subvers ( us ) (past participle of subvertere to subvert ) + -ive

Example Sentences

The queens cut their teeth performing in bars, burlesque theaters, punk venues and even a circus, where they learned to entertain by pulling together subversive and mainstream references.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The Gambian authorities said the country would not be used as a "base for subversive activity against any state".

Read more on BBC

And “A Gun in Every Home” is quietly subversive.

Read more on Salon

Fears of a subversive “Fifth Column” spurred harassment of immigrants from Axis countries, especially the city’s tiny Japanese population.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Mostly they are performed for the pleasure of men, but they can be adapted to secretly subversive ends.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• incendiary 
• riotous