Main Entry: sub·ver·sion

Pronunciation: \səb-ˈvər-zhən, -shən\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin subversion-, subversio, from Latin subvertere

Date: 14th century

1 : the act of subverting : the state of being subverted; especially : a systematic attempt to overthrow or undermine a government or political system by persons working secretly from within
2 obsolete : a cause of overthrow or destruction

— sub·ver·sion·ary \-zhə-ˌner-ē, -shə-\ adjective

— sub·ver·sive \-ˈvər-siv, -ziv\ adjective or noun

— sub·ver·sive·ly adverb

— sub·ver·sive·ness noun