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subvert

[ suhb-vurt ]
/ səbˈvɜrt /
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See synonyms for: subvert / subverted / subverting 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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Origin of subvert

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

OTHER WORDS FROM subvert

sub·vert·er, nounun·sub·vert·ed, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use subvert in a sentence

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 of subvert

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
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