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
• subversivism noun
• subversiveness 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

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

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

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

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His subversive reflection was that centre-left parties had been "squeamish" about saying things that were "clearly true" about controlling borders.

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The White House feeds its preferred outlets — Real America’s Voice, Right Side Broadcasting, Fox News and a handful of right-wing influencers — while starving mainstream reporters of access and painting them as subversive threats.

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Related Words

• incendiary 
• riotous