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

It just felt like, how do we subvert the expectations of the audience and do that in a way that still feels true to who these characters are?

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Hoover felt no need to subvert the constitutional order; he simply ignored it.

Read more on Salon

I wanted to subvert the use of body cam footage.

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Hamilton was right: “The people” can be riotous and unruly, in the process threatening to subvert core institutions of a republic ruled by law.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

In 1921, hoteliers in Atlantic City subverted that idea by creating their own revue of “bathing beauties,” held the week after Labor Day as a way to extend the summer season.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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