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.
Hamas has obscured its subversion of aid by intimidating aid workers, civilians, and media outlets. Yair Rosenberg, The Atlantic, 29 July 2025 The appropriate response to a subversion of desirable and innate traits in us is not to revolt and flip the table. Rafael Perez, Oc Register, 21 July 2025 For fashion psychologist Jennifer Heinen, the bandage dress revival can be both a reinforcement of traditional beauty standards and a subversion of them. Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 11 July 2025 The strategy of the authorities was to separate leaders from the masses to ward off subversion. Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 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 27 Aug. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!