subversion

[ suhb-vur-zhuhn, -shuhn ]

noun

1. an act or instance of subverting.
2. the state of being subverted; destruction.
3. something that subverts or overthrows.

subversion

/ səbˈvɜːʃən /

noun

1. the act or an instance of subverting or overthrowing a legally constituted government, institution, etc
2. the state of being subverted; destruction or ruin
3. something that brings about an overthrow

Other Words From

• anti·sub·version noun
• nonsub·version noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of subversion¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Late Latin subversiōn- (stem of subversiō ) an overthrowing. See sub-, version

Word History and Origins

Origin of subversion¹

C14: from Late Latin subversiō destruction, from Latin subvertere to subvert

Example Sentences

Ultimately, the conflict between societal expectations and Danson’s persona only added to the subversion.

From Los Angeles Times

He has relentlessly condemned Merrick Garland, Biden’s attorney general, as well as special counsel Jack Smith, who charged Trump with election subversion and theft of classified documents.

From Slate

The ad continues with headlines about the report before noting that current running mate JD Vance — who has refused to say whether Trump had lost the 2020 election — is much more likely to fall in line with any possible election subversion schemes.

From Salon

Concerns over Trump’s unwillingness to concede his 2020 loss were rehashed earlier this week when Special Counsel Jack Smith released a 165-page court filing outlining Trump’s actions during his alleged election subversion plot on Jan. 6, 2021.

From Salon

If Donald Trump wins election next month, the end of this prosecution is certain and the risks of future election subversion heightened.

From Slate

Related Words

• destruction