subversion

noun

sub·ver·sion səb-ˈvər-zhən

-shən

: the act of subverting : the state of being subverted

especially : a systematic attempt to overthrow or undermine a government or political system by persons working secretly from within

obsolete : a cause of overthrow or destruction

subversionary

səb-ˈvər-zhə-ˌner-ē

-shə-

adjective

subversive

səb-ˈvər-siv

-ziv

adjective or noun

subversively adverb

subversiveness noun

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Subversion is literally the "turning over" of something. In the 1950s and '60s, many people worried about communist subversion of the U.S. government, though they often saw subversive activities where none existed. Nondemocratic governments often claim that anyone who disagrees with them or joins a demonstration is a subversive. But subversion isn't always quite so serious a matter; when words like weekend, sandwich, job, *and *camping started being used by the French, for example, some of them began claiming that America was subverting their language.

Examples of subversion in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

The former president was also facing a federal election subversion case related to his efforts to remain in power following the 2020 loss to President Biden. —

Tara Suter, The Hill, 28 Nov. 2024 But the dismissal of special counsel Jack Smith's federal election subversion case against Donald Trump leaves key questions about the extent of executive power unanswered. —

Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 27 Nov. 2024 The report is expected to detail Smith's findings on key cases involving Trump, including allegations of election subversion and mishandling of classified documents. —

Dan Perry, Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2024 July 1 - The Supreme Court rules that Trump may claim partial immunity from special counsel Jack Smith’s election subversion case. —

CNN, 21 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for subversion

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin subversion-, subversio, from Latin subvertere

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of subversion was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Subversion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subversion. Accessed 12 Dec. 2024.

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Kids Definition

subversion

noun

sub·ver·sion səb-ˈvər-zhən

: the act of overthrowing : the state of being overthrown

especially : an attempt to overthrow or undermine a government or political system by persons working secretly within the country involved

subversive

-ˈvər-siv

-ziv

adjective or noun

subversively adverb

Legal Definition

subversion

noun

sub·ver·sion səb-ˈvər-zhən

: a systematic attempt to overthrow or undermine a government or political system by persons working from within

also : the crime of committing acts in furtherance of such an attempt

subversionary

-zhə-ˌner-ē

adjective

subversive

-ˈvər-siv

adjective or noun

subversively adverb

subversiveness noun

Last Updated: 7 Dec 2024 - Updated example sentences

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subversion

noun

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Examples of subversion in a Sentence

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near subversion

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Legal Definition