definitions

subvert

[ suhb-vurt ]
/ səbˈvɜrt /
||
SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR subvert ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object)

to overthrow (something established or existing).
to cause the downfall, ruin, or destruction of.
to undermine the principles of; corrupt.

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RELATED WORDS

pervert, debase, supersede, suppress, poison, vitiate, overthrow, corrupt, topple, overturn, sabotage, undermine, depress, capsize, reverse, wreck, upset, ruin, tumble, invalidate

Nearby words

subvaginal, subvene, subvention, subversion, subversive, subvert, subviral, subvirus, subvisible, subvocal, subvocal speech

Origin of subvert

1325–75; Middle English subverten < Latin subvertere to overthrow, equivalent to sub- sub- + vertere to turn

Related forms

sub·vert·er, nounun·sub·vert·ed, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for subvert

British Dictionary definitions for subvert

subvert

/ (səbˈvɜːt) /

verb (tr)

to bring about the complete downfall or ruin of (something existing or established by a system of law, etc)
to undermine the moral principles of (a person, etc); corrupt

Derived Forms

subverter, noun

Word Origin for subvert

C14: from Latin subvertere to overturn, from sub- from below + vertere to turn
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012