subvert

UK: /səbˈvɜː^rt/ US: /səbˈvɝt/ ,(səb vûrt′)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

sub•vert /səbˈvɜrt/   v. [~ + object]

1. to engage in or attempt subversion:
   Instead of cooperating, he worked to subvert her authority.

See -vert-.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

sub•vert  (səb vûrt′), v.t. 

1. to overthrow (something established or existing).
2. to cause the downfall, ruin, or destruction of.
3. to undermine the principles of;
   corrupt.

• Latin subvertere to overthrow, equivalent. to sub- sub- + vertere to turn
• Middle English subverten 1325–75

sub•vert′er, n. 
Synonyms

• 1. upset, disrupt, undermine, overturn, sabotage.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

subvert / səbˈvɜːt/ verb (transitive)

1. to bring about the complete downfall or ruin of (something existing or established by a system of law, etc)
2. to undermine the moral principles of (a person, etc); corrupt

Etymology: 14th Century: from Latin subvertere to overturn, from sub- from below + vertere to turn

subˈverter noun