Meaning of subvert in English

Table of contents
  1. Pronunciation
  2. Verb
    1. Etymology
    2. Definitions

  1. Pronunciation

    /səbˈvərt/

    US accent Play button

    UK accent Play button

  1. Verb

    subvert

    Etymology

    late Middle English: from Old French subvertir or Latin subvertere, from sub-‘from below’ + vertere‘to turn’

    Definitions

    1. cause the downfall of

    Examples

    • « of rulers »
    • « The Czar was overthrown »
    • « subvert the ruling class »

    Derived terms

  2. 2. corrupt morally or by intemperance or sensuality

    Examples

    • « debauch the young people with wine and women »
    • « Socrates was accused of corrupting young men »
    • « Do school counselors subvert young children? »
    • « corrupt the morals »

    Derived terms

  3. 3. destroy property or hinder normal operations

    Examples

    • « The Resistance sabotaged railroad operations during the war »

    Derived terms

  4. 4. destroy completely

    Examples

    • « we must not let our civil liberties be subverted by the current crisis »

    Derived terms

Famous quotes

  • « From the equality of rights springs identity of our highest interests you cannot subvert your neighbor's rights without striking a dangerous blow at your own. »
    Carl Schurz

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