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

Examples of subvert in a Sentence

They conspired to subvert the government. trying to subvert the electoral process
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.
Because of the decentralized electoral system, an individual state does have the power to delay or subvert the process of appointing electors—perhaps by alleging voting irregularities—even in the event of a clear popular-vote victory for a certain candidate in that state. Jenna Bednar, Foreign Affairs, 5 Nov. 2024 René Magritte is best known for his Surrealist masterpieces like The Son of Man (1964), which bend reality and subvert expectations. Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Nov. 2024 Scream approached genre conventions with a meta-awareness and used it to consistently subvert audience expectations. Meagan Navarro, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2024 Fitting for a designer whose ethos focuses on Black, LGBTQIA+ and femme communities by creating clothes that celebrate intersectionality and subvert gender norms. Jasper Brown, WWD, 28 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for subvert 

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 21 Nov. 2024.

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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