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subversion

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /səbˈvɜːrʒən/

KK: /səbˈvɜrʒən/

noun
Definition

The act of trying to destroy or weaken a government or system from within, often in secret.


Example

The group was accused of engaging in subversion against the current regime.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever heard of subversion in politics?
Sloth B
Yeah, it's about secretly undermining a government, right?
Sloth A
Exactly! It's fascinating how some movements use subversion to create change.
Sloth B
It really shows how powerful ideas can be when people work from within.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
overthrow
undermining
insurrection
Antonyms
loyalty
support
stability
Root Explanation

Subversion → It is formed from "sub-" (meaning under) and "vertere" (meaning to turn). The word describes the act of turning something from underneath, often implying an overthrow or undermining of authority.

Memory Tip

Think of something being 'turned' ('vertere') from 'under' ('sub-') — that's why subversion means undermining or overthrowing.

Visually Confused Words
submersion
subrision
obversion
version
suberin
supraversion
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