Subvert Meaning in English
word
səbˈvɝt
suh-VURT
səbˈvɜːt
suh-VURT
Definition
To try to destroy or undermine a system, authority, or set of beliefs, usually in a secret or indirect way.
Usage & Nuances
More formal or academic; often used in political, governmental, or social contexts. Common phrases: 'subvert the system', 'subvert authority', 'subvert expectations'. Implies secrecy or indirect action. Don't confuse with 'invert' or 'convert'.
Spanish: subvertir - socavarPortuguese (BR): subverter - minarPortuguese (PT): subverter - minarChinese (Simplified): 颠覆 - 破坏Chinese (Traditional): 顛覆 - 破壞Hindi: अस्थिर करना - भ्रष्ट करनाArabic: تقويض - تخريبBengali: অবনতি ঘটানো - নতি স্বীকার করানোRussian: подрывать - разрушать (властные/социальные устои)Japanese: 覆す - 破壊する（体制・権威など）Vietnamese: lật đổ - làm suy yếuKorean: 전복하다 - 약화시키다Turkish: altüst etmek - bozmak - yıkmak (gizlice/sistemi)Urdu: پوشیدگی سے نقصان پہنچانا - سرنگوں کرناIndonesian: menggulingkan - merusak (secara diam-diam)
Example Sentences
Some groups tried to subvert the government.
basic
The film attempts to subvert traditional ideas about heroes.
basic
He was accused of trying to subvert the school rules.
basic
They used clever tactics to subvert the company's strict policies.
natural
His jokes often subvert social norms in a funny way.
natural
Artists sometimes subvert expectations to make people think differently.
natural