Meaning of subvert in English

1. Pronunciation

   /səbˈvərt/

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   UK accent

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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 »
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 »
3. 3. destroy property or hinder normal operations

   Examples

   • « The Resistance sabotaged railroad operations during the war »
4. 4. destroy completely

   Examples

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