subversion

noun

sub·​ver·​sion səb-ˈvər-zhən How to pronounce subversion (audio)
-shən
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
subversionary adjective
subversive adjective or noun
subversively adverb
subversiveness noun

Did you know?

Subversion is literally the "turning over" of something. In the 1950s and '60s, many people worried about communist subversion of the U.S. government, though they often saw subversive activities where none existed. Nondemocratic governments often claim that anyone who disagrees with them or joins a demonstration is a subversive. But subversion isn't always quite so serious a matter; when words like weekend, sandwich, job, *and *camping started being used by the French, for example, some of them began claiming that America was subverting their language.

Examples of subversion in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Assembling nearly 300 pieces, the exhibition offers a window into Duchamp’s six decades of creation and subversion. Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 June 2025 Despite feinting towards subversion, Lehane has produced a typical—overlong, caricature-laden, easy to watch but also to forget—streaming crime show. Judy Berman, Time, 27 June 2025 But it’s seeded with his lifelong obsession: the subversion and play of language. Benjamin Hale june 23, Literary Hub, 23 June 2025 Whatever your feelings about Tarantino, give the Oscar winner this: His genre subversions and outrageous digressions are far livelier and more inspired than anything Ritchie concocts here. Will Leitch, Vulture, 27 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for subversion

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of subversion was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Subversion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subversion. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

subversion

noun
sub·​ver·​sion səb-ˈvər-zhən How to pronounce subversion (audio)
: the act of overthrowing : the state of being overthrown
especially : an attempt to overthrow or undermine a government or political system by persons working secretly within the country involved
subversive adjective or noun
subversively adverb

Legal Definition

subversion

noun
sub·​ver·​sion səb-ˈvər-zhən How to pronounce subversion (audio)
: 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
subversionary adjective
subversive adjective or noun
subversively adverb
subversiveness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on subversion

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