subvert

[ suhb-vurt ]
/ səbˈvɜrt /

verb (used with object)

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

Origin of subvert

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

OTHER WORDS FROM subvert

sub·vert·er, noun un·sub·vert·ed, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for subvert

British Dictionary definitions for subvert

subvert
/ (səbˈvɜːt) /

verb (tr)

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

Derived forms of subvert

subverter, noun

Word Origin for subvert

C14: from Latin subvertere to overturn, from sub- from below + vertere to turn