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

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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

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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

It was only with time that I understood “Wuthering Heights” for its impact on literature — how its existence during the Victorian era was so subversive.

From Los Angeles Times

If this vapid, airless, mindless time-waster had subversive designs of being a satire about the first lady of the United States, there’s not much it would have changed.

From Los Angeles Times

These cultural products “succeed because they feel spontaneous, playful, sometimes a bit subversive,” Lee said.

From The Wall Street Journal

So after faculty were urged to add land acknowledgments to their syllabi, Mr. Reges had a subversive idea.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

Related Words

• incendiary
• riotous