subversion
noun
-shən\
Definition of subversion
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
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Other Words from subversion
-shə-
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adjective
-ziv
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adjective or noun
Examples of subversion in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Yet such flat and unhurried beginnings are subversions concealing a powerful slyness. — New York Times, "8 New Books We Recommend This Week," 24 May 2018 While the Saudis could buy arms from the Russians or Chinese if Congress balks, the U.S. can’t afford an unstable Kingdom that would be vulnerable to Iranian or Sunni radical subversion. — The Editorial Board, WSJ, "A Royal Saudi Mess," 12 Oct. 2018 The best The Good Cop can do in terms of existing in the current cultural moment is indulge in occasional subversion by way of its guest stars. — Karen Han, Vox, "Josh Groban and Tony Danza’s appealing odd-couple dynamic can’t quite save The Good Cop," 21 Sep. 2018 The suit has a long and storied history, one that includes political subversion and violent repression. — Mariana Gonzalez, Teen Vogue, "How the Zoot Suit Became a Symbol of Resistance for Mexican-American People," 21 Sep. 2018 Mr Haidt divides political morality into pairs of opposing instincts: loyalty and betrayal, authority and subversion, liberty and oppression, sanctity and degradation, care and harm, fairness and cheating. — The Economist, "The L wordWho is a Democrat?," 12 July 2018 Here's a look at the three Americans, who were held by North Korea for alleged subversion, espionage and other unspecified hostile acts. — Los Angeles Times Staff Reporting, latimes.com, "A look at the 3 Americans released by North Korea," 9 May 2018 Meanwhile, a court sentenced a prominent dissident, Qin Yongmin, to 13 years in prison for subversion. — The Economist, "Politics this week," 12 July 2018 China sentenced Liu Xiaobo in 2009 to 11 years' imprisonment on charges of inciting subversion of state power. — Fox News, "The Latest: Rights groups cautiously hail Liu Xia departure," 10 July 2018These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'subversion.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for subversion
subversion
noun
\
Legal Definition of subversion
: a systematic attempt to overthrow or undermine a government or political system by persons working from within also : the crime of committing acts in furtherance of such an attempt
Other Words from subversion
\
adjective
\
adjective or noun
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