subvert

[suhb-vurt]

verb (used with object)

1. to overthrow (something established or existing).

   Synonyms: sabotage, overturn, undermine, disrupt, upset

2. to cause the downfall, ruin, or destruction of.

3. to undermine the principles of; corrupt.

subvert

/ səbˈvɜːt /

verb

1. to bring about the complete downfall or ruin of (something existing or established by a system of law, etc)

2. to undermine the moral principles of (a person, etc); corrupt

Other Word Forms

• subverter noun
• unsubverted adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of subvert¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of subvert¹

C14: from Latin subvertere to overturn, from sub- from below + vertere to turn

Example Sentences

D’Aquino’s defense: She had been slyly subverting the propaganda machine the whole time, entertaining Americans with facetious language no one could take seriously and introducing upbeat American music the GIs actually loved.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

I should have known better than to think that I could subvert Ma’s indomitable will.

Read more on Literature

Yoon plunged South Korea into political crisis when he sought to subvert civilian rule in December last year, sending armed soldiers to parliament in a bid to stop lawmakers voting down his martial law declaration.

Read more on Barron's

On Friday, the country's army said it had thwarted an "attempt to subvert the constitutional order" and arrested several senior military officers.

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For disabled artist Panteha Abareshi, this expectation is subverted as they present their desire and bodily experience to be dissected and examined in “CAREOTICS: on giving and taking” at Human Resources.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• corrupt 
• debase 
• overthrow 
• overturn 
• pervert 
• poison 
• sabotage 
• supersede 
• suppress 
• topple 
• undermine 
• vitiate