Subvert: meaning, definitions and examples

⚠️

Add to dictionary

subvert

[səbˈvəːt ]

Definitions

^{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?

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?

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

Rooted in the Latin word 'subvertere', which means to turn upside down.
The prefix 'sub-' means 'under' or 'below', while 'vertere' means 'to turn'.
In English, the term began to be used in the late 14th century to describe altering or disrupting established norms.

Literature

In many classic stories, characters subvert authority, revealing deeper themes of rebellion.
George Orwell’s '1984' explores subversion through the protagonist's struggle against a totalitarian regime.
Shakespeare's plays often feature characters who subvert societal expectations, leading to comic or tragic outcomes.

Politics

Historically, subversion has been a tactic used by dissidents to challenge established governments.
In the Cold War, subversive techniques were employed to undermine opponents' ideologies.
Modern subversive movements often utilize social media to spread ideas quickly and discreetly.

Psychology

Subverting societal norms can lead to cognitive dissonance, causing individuals to question their beliefs.
Group dynamics often see subversion when individuals challenge the status quo, promoting change in group behaviors.
Psychological reactance theory suggests people may subvert rules when they feel their freedoms are being threatened.

Pop Culture

Films like 'Fight Club' showcase subversion as a central theme, where the main character disrupts consumer culture.
Music genres like punk rock often embrace subversion, challenging societal norms through their lyrics and style.
Video games, particularly indie titles, frequently offer narratives that subvert traditional storytelling methods.

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

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.

...
18426 candour
18427 harmonies
18428 petiole
18429 subvert
18430 nearness
18431 slaughtering
18432 cyclotron
...