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subvert

 - 3 dictionary results

sub⋅vert

  [suhb-vurt]
–verb (used with object)
1. to overthrow (something established or existing).
2. to cause the downfall, ruin, or destruction of.
3. to undermine the principles of; corrupt.
Use subvert in a Sentence
Origin:
1325–75; ME subverten < L subvertere to overthrow, equiv. to sub- sub- + vertere to turn

Related forms:
sub⋅vert⋅er, noun

Synonyms:
1. upset, disrupt, undermine, overturn, sabotage.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2010.
Cite This Source Link To subvert
sub·vert   (səb-vûrt')   
tr.v.   sub·vert·ed, sub·vert·ing, sub·verts

  1. To destroy completely; ruin: "schemes to subvert the liberties of a great community" (Alexander Hamilton).

  2. To undermine the character, morals, or allegiance of; corrupt.

  3. To overthrow completely: "Economic assistance ... must subvert the existing ... feudal or tribal order" (Henry A. Kissinger). See Synonyms at overthrow.


[Middle English subverten, from Old French subvertir, from Latin subvertere : sub-, sub- + vertere, to turn; see wer-2 in Indo-European roots.]
sub·vert'er n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

subvert 
c.1375, from M.Fr. subvertir, from L. subvertere, from sub "under" + vertere "to turn" (see versus).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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