[syn: sabotage, undermine, countermine, counteract, subvert, weaken]
4. destroy completely;
- Example: "we must not let our civil liberties be subverted by the current crisis"
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Subvert \Sub*vert"\, v. i.
To overthrow anything from the foundation; to be subversive.
[1913 Webster]
They have a power given to them like that of the evil
principle, to subvert and destroy.
[1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Subvert \Sub*vert"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Subverted; p. pr. &
vb. n. Subverting.] [L. subvertere, subversum; sub under +
vertere to turn: cf. F. subvertir. See Verse.]
1. To overturn from the foundation; to overthrow; to ruin
utterly.
[1913 Webster]
These are his substance, sinews, arms, and strength,
With which he yoketh your rebellious necks,
Razeth your cities, and subverts your towns. --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
This would subvert the principles of all knowledge.
--Locke.
[1913 Webster]
2. To pervert, as the mind, and turn it from the truth; to
corrupt; to confound. --2 Tim. iii. 14.
[1913 Webster]
Syn: To overturn; overthrow; destroy; invert; reverse;
extinguish.
[1913 Webster]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
subvert
v 1: cause the downfall of; of rulers; "The Czar was
overthrown"; "subvert the ruling class" [syn: overthrow,
subvert, overturn, bring down]
2: corrupt morally or by intemperance or sensuality; "debauch
the young people with wine and women"; "Socrates was accused
of corrupting young men"; "Do school counselors subvert young
children?"; "corrupt the morals" [syn: corrupt, pervert,
subvert, demoralize, demoralise, debauch, debase,
profane, vitiate, deprave, misdirect]
3: destroy property or hinder normal operations; "The Resistance
sabotaged railroad operations during the war" [syn:
sabotage, undermine, countermine, counteract,
subvert, weaken]
4: destroy completely; "we must not let our civil liberties be
subverted by the current crisis"