subvert

verb

sub·​vert səb-ˈvərt How to pronounce subvert (audio)
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

Example Sentences

They conspired to subvert the government. trying to subvert the electoral process
Recent Examples on the Web 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 The 2020 election, and former President Donald Trump’s efforts to subvert the outcome, did not go unnoticed by the rest of the world, much of which watched in horror as rioters violently stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Time, 3 Nov. 2022 Justice Thomas temporarily blocked a Georgia grand jury from compelling Republican Sen. Graham to testify in its probe of efforts to subvert Biden’s 2020 election victory in the state. WSJ, 25 Oct. 2022 From slang to the spirituals of the church, Hurston traces the lineage of Black culture and its power to subvert white supremacy. Arielle Gray, The Christian Science Monitor, 20 Jan. 2022 Federal prosecutors have been especially focused on a scheme by Trump allies to elevate fake presidential electors in key battleground states won by Biden as a way to subvert the vote, issuing subpoenas to multiple state Republican party chairs. Steve Peoples, Anchorage Daily News, 10 Feb. 2023 Federal prosecutors have been especially focused on a scheme by Trump allies to elevate fake presidential electors in key battleground states won by Biden as a way to subvert the vote, issuing subpoenas to multiple state Republican party chairs. Steve Peoples, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2023 But the actor, who died Wednesday at 82, constantly found ways to subvert his image, showing up in projects that gently satirized Sonny's savage machismo and seeking out roles that softened his edge, showing audiences a surprisingly vulnerable side. Daniel Arkin, NBC News, 7 July 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'subvert.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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

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

Dictionary Entries Near subvert

Cite this Entry

“Subvert.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subvert. Accessed 23 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

subvert

verb
sub·​vert səb-ˈvərt How to pronounce subvert (audio)
1
: to overturn or overthrow from the foundation
2
: to undermine the morals, allegiance, or faith of : corrupt
subverter noun

More from Merriam-Webster on subvert

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