Subvert Definition & Meaning

subvert
verb
  1. cause the downfall of; of rulers; "The Czar was overthrown"; "subvert the ruling class"
  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"
  3. destroy property or hinder normal operations; "The Resistance sabotaged railroad operations during the war"
  4. destroy completely; "we must not let our civil liberties be subverted by the current crisis"

Usage tips for "subvert"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "subvert" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for subvert to find words that pair well.

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