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

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

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