subversion
- 01 C1 Advanced
the act of trying to weaken or destroy a government or political system by working secretly from within.
a systematic attempt to overthrow or undermine a government or political authority by working from within the system.
Simple“The group was accused of subversion for trying to weaken the country's democratic institutions.”
In context“The intelligence agency monitored the group for signs of political subversion, fearing their influence could destabilise the fragile coalition government.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
the act of challenging or changing traditional ideas, rules, or artistic styles in a way that weakens their power.
the act of undermining established social, cultural, or artistic conventions to challenge their perceived authority.
Simple“The artist's work is a clever subversion of traditional fairy tales.”
In context“Her latest novel offers a profound subversion of the detective genre, refusing to provide the reader with a clear resolution or a heroic protagonist.”
SynonymsdisruptiondestabilisationAntonyms - 03 C2 Proficiency
the act of physically flipping or turning something over from the bottom.
the act of physically overturning or upending an object; now largely replaced by 'overturning' in modern contexts.
Simple“The subversion of the small boat in the storm led to a dangerous situation.”
In context“The sudden subversion of the carriage left the passengers trapped beneath the heavy wooden frame.”
Synonymsoverturningupending
“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.”
Inherited from Middle English subversion, subversioun, from Old French subversion.
From sub- + version.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.