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

Tyler's strategy completely subverts this traditional ways marketers have historically approached STP. —Dr. Marcus Collins, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024

Linkages between these users and any administration would subvert the traditional notion of citizenship, and agreements between the entities would be unlike ordinary alliances. —Henry A. Kissinger, Foreign Affairs, 18 Nov. 2024

Special prosecutor Jack Smith is still pursuing a case against Trump for allegedly taking part in a sweeping criminal conspiracy to not just deny the 2020 election of President Biden, but also subvert it. —Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2024

Today’s opera houses continue to build on that model and, at times, subvert it. —Justin Davidson, Curbed, 16 Oct. 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