subvert meaning

UK US /səbˈvɝt/ 2 syllables

subvert (verb): cause the downfall of; of rulers.

subvert has 4 meanings in this dictionary.

subvert as a verb

  1. cause the downfall of; of rulers
    • The Czar was overthrown
    • subvert the ruling class

    Synonyms: overthrow, overturn, bring down

    Type of: depose

    Kinds: revolutionize

    Related forms: subversive, subversion, subverter

  2. corrupt morally or by intemperance or sensuality
    • debauch the young people with wine and women
    • Socrates was accused of corrupting young men
    • Do school counselors subvert young children?
    • corrupt the morals

    Synonyms: corrupt, pervert, demoralize, demoralise, debauch, debase, profane, vitiate, deprave, misdirect

    Type of: change

    Kinds: sensualize, infect, lead off, poison, bastardize, suborn

    Related forms: subversion

  3. destroy property or hinder normal operations
    • The Resistance sabotaged railroad operations during the war

    Synonyms: sabotage, undermine, countermine, counteract, weaken

    Type of: disobey

    Kinds: derail

  4. destroy completely
    • we must not let our civil liberties be subverted by the current crisis

    Type of: destroy

    Related forms: subversion

How to pronounce subvert

subvert is pronounced /səbˈvɝt/ in American English. It has 2 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.

Words that rhyme with subvert

Word lists: words starting with SU · words ending in RT · 7-letter words

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