subversion
noun
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Subversion is literally the "turning over" of something. In the 1950s and '60s, many people worried about communist subversion of the U.S. government, though they often saw subversive activities where none existed. Nondemocratic governments often claim that anyone who disagrees with them or joins a demonstration is a subversive. But subversion isn't always quite so serious a matter; when words like weekend, sandwich, job, *and *camping started being used by the French, for example, some of them began claiming that America was subverting their language.
Examples of subversion in a Sentence
Clarence A. Haynes
july 3, Literary Hub, 3 July 2025
For decades, cannabis was associated with rebellion, subversion, and in some cases, criminality.
—Cassell Ferere, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
Thus, the tone is set — here is a novel that carefully plays with assumptions, expectations and subversions.
—Nic Stone, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
Assembling nearly 300 pieces, the exhibition offers a window into Duchamp’s six decades of creation and subversion.
—Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for subversion
Cite this Entry
“Subversion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subversion. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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