subvert meaning and definition

SUBVERT verb

Definition of subvert (verb)

1. cause the downfall of; of rulers
   • "The Czar was overthrown"; "subvert the ruling class"
   • synonyms: bring down, overthrow, overturn
2. corrupt morally or by intemperance or sensuality
   • "debauch the young people with wine and women"; "Socrates was accused of corrupting young men"; "Do school counselors subvert young children?"; "corrupt the morals"
   • synonyms: corrupt, debase, debauch, demoralise, demoralize, deprave, misdirect, pervert, profane, vitiate
3. destroy property or hinder normal operations
   • "The Resistance sabotaged railroad operations during the war"
   • synonyms: counteract, countermine, sabotage, undermine, weaken
4. destroy completely
   • "we must not let our civil liberties be subverted by the current crisis"