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

It’s an argument that Superman’s golly gee spirit is his greatest asset, no subversion necessary.

From The Wall Street Journal

Mr. Ho, former chairman of the group behind the annual Tiananmen vigil, is in poor health and has pleaded guilty to inciting subversion.

From The Wall Street Journal

An edgy weirdness runs throughout this slim subversion of a crime novel.

From The Wall Street Journal

In 2019, pastor Wang Yi was sentenced to nine years in prison for incitement of subversion of state power and illegal business operations.

From The Wall Street Journal

Perversely, it’s times like these, when subversion and subtlety are required, that creativity flourishes.

From Salon

Related Words

• destruction