LookItUp

subversive

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /səbˈvɜːrsɪv/ · UK /səbˈvɜːsɪv/

subversive means: Aiming to weaken or overthrow established power, beliefs, or social rules.

adjective

UNDERMINING AUTHORITYC1

Aiming to weaken or overthrow established power, beliefs, or social rules.

  • The government banned subversive books.
  • Her subversive humor challenges accepted social rules.
  • Officials accused the group of subversive activities.

Similar words: seditious

Common phrases: subversive ideas, subversive influence, subversive activities

noun

REVOLUTION SUPPORTERC2

A person who strongly supports overthrowing the political or social system.

  • He was branded a subversive.
  • The regime imprisoned several suspected subversives.
  • Those subversives wanted a complete change in the political system.

Similar words: revolutionary

Common phrases: political subversive, radical subversive

UNDERMINING PERSONC2

A person who secretly weakens or damages an organization or system through harmful actions or messages.

  • They suspected an inside subversive.
  • Subversives spread false reports to damage trust in the organization.
  • The security team searched for subversives planning to disrupt the operation.

Similar words: saboteur

Common phrases: suspected subversive, enemy subversive

Questions about subversive

What does subversive mean?

Aiming to weaken or overthrow established power, beliefs, or social rules.

What is subversive in other languages?

Türkçe: yıkıcı · Español: subversivo · Français: subversif · Deutsch: subversiv · Italiano: sovversivo · 日本語: 体制転覆的な

How do you pronounce subversive?

In American English /səbˈvɜːrsɪv/; in British English /səbˈvɜːsɪv/.

How do you use subversive in a sentence?

The government banned subversive books. Her subversive humor challenges accepted social rules.

Learn subversive while you read

LookItUp shows the meaning that fits your sentence, in your language, and turns new words into quick practice cards.

Coming soon on the App Store LookItUp app for iPhone and iPad

subversive in other languages

More words