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Definition of subversion

subversion

/səbˈvɜːr.ʒən/
sub · ver · sion
Adverb:subversively
•
Plural:subversions
•
Adjective:subversive
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subversion Lexical Profile

subversion Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The systematic attempt or process of undermining, weakening, or overthrowing an established authority, institution, political system, or set of principles from within.

Example

"Historians studied how the underground press contributed to the gradual subversion of the authoritarian regime."

2

A creative or rhetorical strategy that deliberately challenges, inverts, or plays against conventional expectations, genres, or social norms.

Example

"The novel is celebrated for its clever subversion of traditional detective fiction tropes."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for subversion

• Nearby Words

suburbanization
suburbanize
suburbia
subversion
subversive
subversively
subvert

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Old French subversion, from Late Latin subversio ('an overthrow, ruin, destruction'), derived from the Latin verb subvertere, combining sub- ('from below') and vertere ('to turn').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Subversion. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/subversion
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