Word
subvert
Phoneticssub·vert, stress on the second syllable
/səbˈvɝt/
Definition
v. to weaken or destroy something that is meant to be strong or stable. You use this when someone tries to change a system or a person's beliefs in a sneaky way.
v. to undermine or weaken the foundations of an institution, system, or belief. Often implies a deliberate, systematic effort to destabilize or overthrow a structure.
Examples
“The new rules seem to subvert the old ones.”
“The government's new policy was accused of subverting the independence of the local judiciary.”
“By introducing subtle biases into the algorithm, the researchers demonstrated how easily a system designed for fairness could be subverted by those with technical expertise.”
Examples
simple
“The new rules seem to subvert the old ones.”
contextual
“The government's new policy was accused of subverting the independence of the local judiciary.”
complex
“By introducing subtle biases into the algorithm, the researchers demonstrated how easily a system designed for fairness could be subverted by those with technical expertise.”
Real-World Examples
“Faith in the system is eroded when the system is subverted.” “On their new album, Smith is subverting their singer-songwriter roots to tell a queer love story.” Etymology
From Middle English subverten, from Old French subvertir, from Latin subvertō (“to overthrow”, literally “to underturn, turn from beneath”).
Back-formation from subvertising, by analogy with advert.
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/subvert