subvert

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

Synonyms

• abase
• bastardize
• canker
• cheapen
• corrupt
• debase
• debauch
• degrade
• demean
• demoralize
• deprave
• deteriorate
• lessen
• pervert
• poison
• profane
• prostitute
• vitiate
• warp

Examples of subvert in a Sentence

They conspired to subvert the government.

trying to subvert the electoral process

Recent Examples on the Web

This opens the door to whole new fields of enterprise, ethical and criminal, involving influencing the actions of—or simply subverting—AI agents. —Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025

The Incoherent Case for Tariffs Trump’s fixation on economic coercion will subvert his economic goals. —Antony J. Blinken, Foreign Affairs, 6 May 2025

The mention of the next election year makes the South Carolina senator just the latest MAGA supporter to call for Trump to subvert the Constitution and run for a third term as president. —Meredith Kile, People.com, 30 Apr. 2025

What starts as a series that aims to subvert the heist genre at every turn — amped with thrilling life-or-death stakes — family dynamics and explosive action, actually gives birth to an exploration of what drives us, sustains us and ultimately destroys us. —Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 9 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

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