Word
subversion
Phoneticssub·ver·sion, stress on the second syllable
US/səbˈvɝʒən/
UK/səbvˈɜːʃən/
Definitions
01undermining a government
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Formal
n. the act of trying to weaken or destroy a government or political system by working secretly from within.
n. a systematic attempt to overthrow or undermine a government or political authority by working from within the system.
“The group was accused of subversion for trying to weaken the country's democratic institutions.”
“The intelligence agency monitored the group for signs of political subversion, fearing their influence could destabilise the fragile coalition government.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02challenging social norms
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Academic
n. the act of challenging or changing traditional ideas, rules, or artistic styles in a way that weakens their power.
n. the act of undermining established social, cultural, or artistic conventions to challenge their perceived authority.
“The artist's work is a clever subversion of traditional fairy tales.”
“Her latest novel offers a profound subversion of the detective genre, refusing to provide the reader with a clear resolution or a heroic protagonist.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03physical overturning
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Archaic
n. the act of physically flipping or turning something over from the bottom.
n. the act of physically overturning or upending an object; now largely replaced by 'overturning' in modern contexts.
“The subversion of the small boat in the storm led to a dangerous situation.”
“The sudden subversion of the carriage left the passengers trapped beneath the heavy wooden frame.”
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“In 2022 he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit subversion for his role in an unofficial primary election.” “Among other things, the law criminalises anything considered as secession, or breaking away from China; subversion; terrorism; and collusion with foreign or external forces.” Etymology
Inherited from Middle English subversion, subversioun, from Old French subversion.
From sub- + version.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/subversion