subversion
n. C / Un. the act of trying to destroy or damage an established system, like a government or a set of beliefs. It often involves working secretly from the inside to make the system fail.
n. the systematic attempt to undermine or overthrow an established authority, government, or social institution. Often involves clandestine activities designed to erode the power and legitimacy of the status quo.
The group was accused of subversion against the state.
The government tightened its control over the press to prevent what it called the subversion of public order.
In his political treatise, the author argues that true subversion is not found in violent revolution but in the quiet redefinition of a culture's core values.
Inherited from Middle English subversion, subversioun, from Old French subversion.
From sub- + version.
Uncountable when referring to the general activity; countable when referring to specific acts or instances.