First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
subversion
noun sub·ver·sion \səb-ˈvər-zhən, -shən\
Definition of SUBVERSION
1
: the act of subverting : the state of being subverted; especially : a systematic attempt to overthrow or undermine a government or political system by persons working secretly from within
2
obsolete : a cause of overthrow or destruction
— sub·ver·sion·ary \-zhə-ˌner-ē, -shə-\ adjective
— sub·ver·sive \-ˈvər-siv, -ziv\ adjective or noun
— sub·ver·sive·ly adverb
— sub·ver·sive·ness noun
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Origin of SUBVERSION
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin subversion-, subversio, from Latin subvertere
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Rhymes with SUBVERSION
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