subversive

American  

[suhb-vur-siv] / səbˈvɜr sɪv /

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 British  

/ 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

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

Etymology

Origin of subversive

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

Example Sentences

Guinean security forces neutralised an armed group in the capital they said had "subversive intentions threatening national security", according to an official statement, a day before the country holds elections.

From Barron's

And so with this we’re almost kind of rewriting history and subversively saying, “No, no, we’ve always been here” and reminding people of the dignity and the beauty of that.

From Los Angeles Times

Often imitated, never duplicated, a ring from Spinelli Kilcollin is both classic and subversive enough to be interesting for decades to come.

From Los Angeles Times

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.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From BBC

Related Words

• incendiary
• riotous