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

Example Sentences

They conspired to subvert the government.

trying to subvert the electoral process

Recent Examples on the Web

Buy Now on End Clothing: $650 Best Workwear Jacket for Spring Corduroy and Leather Trimmed Cotton Canvas Jacket Leave it to Loewe to subvert a ubiquitous workwear jacket. —Isaiah Freeman-schub, Robb Report, 8 Mar. 2023

Despite being overridden by her town council (democratically, unlike what Congress is now doing), Bowser has pleaded with Congress not to subvert D.C.’s autonomy. —Prem Thakker, The New Republic, 6 Mar. 2023

Honor the results of our elections, not subvert the will of the people. —Abc News, ABC News, 8 Feb. 2023

If that sounds a bit too formulaic, watching Winslow subvert the conventions of an old literary form is half the thrill of this novel. —Ron Charles, Washington Post, 23 Jan. 2023

The perennial debate is — does the right to shelter actually help subvert what people really need? —Definition’, Curbed, 27 Sep. 2022

But attempts to do this subvert one basic premise for joining together in legal union: peaceful, cooperative co-existence among states, as well as between them and the federal government. —Time, 23 Sep. 2022

Special Counsel Jack Smith is overseeing probes into Trump's efforts to subvert the 2020 election and into his retention of classified documents. —Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 10 Feb. 2023

Justice Department investigators probing efforts to subvert the 2020 presidential election, The New York Times reported Wednesday. —Rafi Schwartz, The Week, 23 Nov. 2022

See More

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

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