subversive

[ suhb-vur-siv ]

adjective

1. Also sub·ver·sion·ar·y [] tending or intending to subvert or overthrow, destroy, or undermine an established or existing system, especially a legally constituted government or a set of beliefs.

   Synonyms: destructive, seditious, treacherous, traitorous

noun

1. a person who adopts subversive principles or policies.

subversive

/ səbˈvɜːsɪv /

adjective

1. liable to subvert or overthrow a government, legally constituted institution, etc

noun

1. a person engaged in subversive activities, etc

Derived Forms

• subˈversively, adverb
• subˈversiveness, noun

Other Words From

• sub·versive·ly adverb
• sub·versiv·ism sub·versive·ness noun
• counter·sub·versive noun
• nonsub·versive adjective
• nonsub·versive·ly adverb
• nonsub·versive·ness noun
• self-sub·versive adjective
• unsub·versive adjective
• unsub·versive·ly adverb
• unsub·versive·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of subversive¹

1635–45; < Latin subvers ( us ) (past participle of subvertere to subvert ) + -ive

Example Sentences

“No other place in Los Angeles thrummed with its subversive energy or labored under the weight of so much trauma,” Jesse Katz wrote of MacArthur Park in his critically acclaimed book “The Rent Collectors,” which chronicles the neighborhood’s violent gang wars, shakedowns of vendors, and the daily struggles of a mostly Central American population that has lived for decades with both hope and despair.

From Los Angeles Times

"Harbouring the subversive elements accused of undertaking activities detrimental to a friendly country posed both a diplomatic and humanitarian dilemma to Kenya," he added.

From BBC

Uganda's police accused the suspects of being "engaged in covert activities that are suspected to be subversive, drawing the attention of Kenyan security forces".

From BBC

It is a subversive treatment, and it has had an effect on society worldwide.

From Los Angeles Times

For example, in the 1930s, we saw this put to effective use in the subversive anti-Nazi photomontage posters of the German resistance artist John Heartfield.

From Salon

Related Words

• incendiary
• riotous