subversion

[suhb-vur-zhuhn, -shuhn]

noun

1. an act or instance of subverting.

2. the state of being subverted; destruction.

3. something that subverts or overthrows.

subversion

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• antisubversion noun
• nonsubversion noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of subversion¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of subversion¹

C14: from Late Latin subversiō destruction, from Latin subvertere to _subvert

Example Sentences

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.

Read more on 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.”

Read more on Salon

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

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Think subversion through infiltration — or revolution through stealth.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The legislation criminalises a wider range of dissenting acts which Beijing considers subversion and secession, among other things.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• destruction