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

The strategy appears to be to push the limits of what Russia can get away with—to subvert, to sabotage, to hack, to destabilize, to instill fear—and to paralyze Western governments by hinting at even more aggressive tactics. —Ben Taub, The New Yorker, 9 Sep. 2024

How Trans Strength Trainers Are Helping People Find Their Inner Power A new wave of coaches, trainers, and instructors are subverting the traditional approach to fitness. —Sarah Prager, Them, 6 Sep. 2024

In Venice, Claire Fontaine’s poetic translation of Foreigners Everywhere into multiple global and Indigenous languages—sixty to be exact—positively subverts the negative associations of the words commonly associated with foreigners, such as invasion, swarm, and influx. —Sara Raza, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2024

The project aims to subvert familiar horror tropes in its take on the cabin-in-the-woods subgenre. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 16 Aug. 2024

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