subvert

1 of 2

verb

sub·​vert səb-ˈvərt 

subverted; subverting; subverts

transitive verb

1

: to overturn or overthrow from the foundation : ruin

2

: to pervert or corrupt by an undermining of morals, allegiance, or faith

subverter noun

subverter

2 of 2

noun

sub·​vert·​er

|tə(r), 

|tə-

plural -s

: one that subverts

Synonyms of subvert

Verb

• degrade
• weaken
• corrupt
• destroy
• humiliate
• debase
• poison
• dilute
• pervert
• deteriorate
• demean
• ruin
• bastardize

Examples of subvert in a Sentence

Verb

They conspired to subvert the government.

trying to subvert the electoral process

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

The state alleges OpenAI's rapid success stems from deceit and exploitation, causing widespread harm to Floridians and subverting public order. — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026

Carter’s collection of fairytale retellings are macabre and sensual, highlighting female violence and subverting expectations of female sexuality at equal turns. — S.m. Hallow, PEOPLE, 18 Aug. 2026

Laws and elections can quickly shift the balance of power in the game, and the rules can be subverted or twisted to your advantage through the deft deployment of crushing bureaucracy. — Alan Bradley, Space.com, 14 Aug. 2026

That's because when the stakes are high, and the actors begin to cry, the serious tone begs to be subverted by a humorous caption. — Owen Carry, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Anglo-French subvertir, from Latin subvertere, literally, to turn from beneath, from sub- + vertere to turn — more at worth

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for subvert

• alert
• assert
• avert
• dessert
• divert
• evert
• exert
• inert
• insert
• invert
• nightshirt
• overt

Kids Definition

subvert

verb

sub·​vert səb-ˈvərt 

1

: to overturn or overthrow from the foundation

2

: to undermine the morals, allegiance, or faith of : corrupt

subverter noun