subvert

transitive verb sub·vert \səb-ˈvərt\

: to secretly try to ruin or destroy a government, political system, etc.

: to make (something) weaker or less effective

Full Definition of SUBVERT

: to overturn or overthrow from the foundation : ruin

: to pervert or corrupt by an undermining of morals, allegiance, or faith

— sub·vert·er noun

See subvert defined for kids

Origin of SUBVERT

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

Related to SUBVERT

Synonyms: abase, bastardize, canker, cheapen, corrupt, debauch, degrade, demean, demoralize, deprave, deteriorate, lessen, pervert, poison, profane, prostitute, debase, vitiate, warp

Antonyms: elevate, ennoble, uplift

Rhymes with SUBVERT

advert, alert, assert, avert, bellwort, birthwort, Blackshirt, brownshirt, bush shirt, camp shirt, colewort, concert, convert, covert, desert, dessert, dissert, divert, dress shirt, evert, exert, expert, exsert, figwort, fleawort, glasswort, hair shirt, Hastert, hornwort, inert, insert, invert, lousewort, lungwort, madwort, milkwort, mugwort, nightshirt, outskirt, overt, pay dirt, pervert, pilewort, ragwort, redshirt, revert, ribwort, saltwort, sandwort, Schubert, seagirt, sea squirt, soapwort, spearwort, spleenwort, stitchwort, stonewort, stuffed shirt, sweatshirt, toothwort, T-shirt, ungirt

Learn More About SUBVERT

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for "subvert"

Nglish: Translation of "subvert" for Spanish speakers

Britannica English: Translation of "subvert" for Arabic speakers

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