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Subvert: meaning, definitions and examples

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subvert

 

[ səbˈvəːt ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

politics

To subvert means to undermine the power and authority of an established system, government, or institution. It involves seeking to weaken or overthrow the existing order through covert or overt means.

Synonyms

destabilize, sabotage, undermine.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
subvert

Used when trying to overthrow or completely change the fundamental structures, typically in a secret or underhanded manner.

  • The activist group aimed to subvert the oppressive regime through grassroots organization
  • The story subverts traditional narrative structures, offering a fresh perspective
undermine

Appropriate when gradually weakening or damaging something or someone's authority, reputation, or effectiveness. It often implies subtle, indirect actions.

  • Gossip and rumors can undermine a person's credibility very quickly
  • The constant criticism served to undermine team morale
sabotage

Used when deliberately destroying or damaging something to hinder or prevent its success, often in a clandestine manner. It has a negative connotation.

  • The rival company was accused of trying to sabotage our new product launch
  • The employee's actions were seen as an attempt to sabotage the project
destabilize

Appropriate when causing instability or disruption, often in a context of political or social order.

  • Efforts to destabilize the region were apparent through increased violence and unrest
  • The hacker's attack aimed to destabilize the financial system

Examples of usage

  • Foreign intelligence agencies often attempt to subvert governments by funding opposition groups.
  • The group plotted to subvert the election process by spreading disinformation.
  • Her goal was to subvert the traditional hierarchy and create a more egalitarian society.
Context #2 | Verb

literature

In literature, to subvert means to challenge or overturn traditional assumptions, norms, or conventions. It involves questioning established beliefs and exploring alternative perspectives.

Synonyms

challenge, defy, upend.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
subvert

Used when describing an attempt to undermine or overthrow a system, institution, or established order. Often carries a negative connotation.

  • The rebels aimed to subvert the government
  • The movie subverts traditional gender roles
challenge

Appropriate when you want to question or dispute the validity or practice of something in a constructive or neutral manner.

  • She likes to challenge conventional wisdom in her essays
  • The debater challenged his opponent's points with well-researched evidence
defy

Suitable for situations where there is open resistance or refusal to obey rules, laws, or expectations. It can have a daring or rebellious flavor.

  • He decided to defy the curfew and join the protest
  • The athlete defied the odds and won the race
upend

Best used when describing a scenario where something is turned upside down or totally changed, often unexpectedly.

  • The new technology could upend the entire industry
  • A sudden twist in the plot upended the audience's expectations

Examples of usage

  • The author used satire to subvert the reader's expectations about societal norms.
  • The novel subverts the typical hero's journey by portraying the protagonist as flawed and morally ambiguous.

Translations

Translations of the word "subvert" in other languages:

🇵🇹 subverter

🇮🇳 उलटना

🇩🇪 untergraben

🇮🇩 merusak

🇺🇦 підривати

🇵🇱 podkopywać

🇯🇵 覆す

🇫🇷 subvertir

🇪🇸 subvertir

🇹🇷 altüst etmek

🇰🇷 전복시키다

🇸🇦 تخريب

🇨🇿 podkopávat

🇸🇰 podkopávať

🇨🇳 颠覆

🇸🇮 podrivati

🇮🇸 grafa undan

🇰🇿 бүлдіру

🇬🇪 დამხობა

🇦🇿 altını qazmaq

🇲🇽 subvertir

Etymology

The word 'subvert' has its origins in Latin, where 'subvertere' means 'to turn from below.' It entered the English language in the late 14th century with the meaning 'to overthrow or destroy completely.' Over time, its usage expanded to include the undermining or destabilizing of established systems or beliefs. The concept of subversion has been a recurring theme in politics, literature, and social movements, reflecting a desire to challenge authority and provoke change.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,429, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.