adjective
subversive
suhb-VUR-sihv
adjective
1
Intended to undermine or overthrow an established system or authority.
"The satirical cartoons were seen as subversive by the government."
noun
1
A person who works to undermine or overthrow an established order.
"The secret police kept files on suspected subversives."
How to Use Subversive
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishWorking to quietly undermine or overturn something in power, often through ideas rather than force.
Common pairings
subversive humor
subversive activity
politically subversive
Word Forms
more subversive comparative, subversives plural, most subversive superlative
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The satirical cartoons were seen as _____ by the government.
Etymology
From subvert plus the adjective suffix -ive.