subversion

/sʌb'və:ʃn/

Thân thiện

A student reads a book about historical subversion in the library.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • The act of subverting; overthrowing or destroying a legally constituted government or established system: This refers to the process of undermining the power, authority, or structure of an institution, especially a government, from within.
   • Destroying someone's (or some group's) honesty, loyalty, or moral integrity: This meaning involves corrupting principles, allegiances, or innocence, often through deceit or gradual influence.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The revolutionary group was accused of planning the subversion of the state.
  • The novel explores the subversion of traditional values in a modern society.
  • He was convicted for acts of subversion against the crown.

Advanced Usage

• "Internal subversion": Refers to undermining from within an organization or country, often by its own members.

  • The security forces were more concerned about internal subversion than an external invasion.

• "Cultural subversion": The process of undermining the dominant cultural norms, values, or narratives.

  • The artist's work is celebrated for its clever cultural subversion.

• "Subversion of justice": The act of undermining or obstructing the proper course of justice.

  • Witness tampering is a serious subversion of justice.

Variants and Related Words

• Subvert (verb): To undermine the power and authority of an established system or institution.

  • They sought to subvert the democratic process.

• Subversive (adjective/noun): (Adj.) Intended to subvert or overthrow; (N.) a person who engages in subversive activities.

  • The government banned the subversive literature.
  • He was labeled a subversive for his political writings.

Synonyms

• Undermining: Weakening or impairing gradually or insidiously.
• Overthrow: The removal from power of a government or ruler.
• Corruption: Dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power, or the process of making someone or something morally depraved.

Related Phrases

• "A tool of subversion": An instrument or method used to undermine authority.

  • Propaganda was used as a tool of subversion.

• "To be guilty of subversion": To be culpable for acts intended to overthrow or undermine.

  • The leaders of the coup were found guilty of subversion.

Học thuật

Noun

1. the act of subverting; as overthrowing or destroying a legally constituted government
2. destroying someone's (or some group's) honesty or loyalty; undermining moral integrity
   • corruption of a minor
   • the big city's subversion of rural innocence

Từ đồng nghĩa

• subversive activity
• corruption