Subverted Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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subverted

[sษ™bหˆvษœหrtษชd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

political actions

Subverted refers to the act of undermining or overthrowing an established system, authority, or belief. This can involve covertly undermining someone's authority or the integrity of a system. The term often implies a more deceptive or clandestine approach to achieving a goal. Subversion can occur in various contexts, including politics, social movements, or even personal relationships.

Synonyms

destabilized, overthrown, overturned, undermined.

Examples of usage

  • The group subverted the government through propaganda.
  • Her intentions were to subvert the traditional values of the community.
  • He subverted the existing power structures within the organization.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Political Theory

  • In political contexts, subversion is often a tactic used by individuals or groups to challenge or disrupt established power structures.
  • Subversion can involve acts of rebellion or resistance, but it may also include more subtle forms of influence, like media manipulation.

Pop Culture

  • Movies often illustrate subversion in plot twists, where characters or events turn out to be quite different from what they first appeared to be.
  • In literature, authors like George Orwell used subversion as a theme to critique societal norms and political systems.

Psychology

  • Cognitive dissonance can lead to subverted beliefs, where a personโ€™s actions conflict with their thoughts, driving them to change either their thoughts or actions.
  • Subversion in human behavior can be seen in how peer influence can alter an individual's beliefs or actions against their initial intentions.

Art and Literature

  • Many artists use subversion as a technique, challenging traditional ideas of beauty and societal norms through provocative works.
  • Subversive literature often aims to question conventional moralities and provoke critical thought among readers.

Origin of 'subverted'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'subvertere', where 'sub-' means 'under' and 'vertere' means 'to turn'.
  • In English literature, it started appearing in the late 15th century, often associated with overthrowing or undermining authority.

The term subvert originates from the Latin word 'subvertere,' which means 'to overthrow' or 'to turn from below.' In its evolution into the English language, it has retained these core meanings associated with undermining authority or established norms. The prefix 'sub-' indicates 'from below' or 'beneath,' while 'vertere' means 'to turn.' The usage of 'subverted' in political contexts became more prevalent during times of revolution or social upheaval, particularly in the 20th century, when new ideologies challenged existing power structures. Today, the term is often associated with insurgent activities, counter-culture movements, and various forms of social or political resistance.


Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,399, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.