Definition of: subvert

(səb·vûrt′) v.t.
1. To overthrow from the very foundation; destroy utterly.
2. To corrupt; undermine the morals or character of. [<OF subvertir <L subvertere overturn <sub- up from under + vertere turn]
—sub·vert′er noun
—sub·vert′i·ble adjective Synonyms: destroy, extinguish, overthrow, overturn, supersede, supplant. To supersede implies the putting of something that is preferred in the place of that which is removed; to subvert does not imply substitution. To supplant is more often personal, signifying to take the place of another, usually by underhand means; one is superseded by authority, supplanted by a rival. See ABOLISH. Antonyms: conserve, perpetuate, preserve, sustain, uphold.