subvert
/səbˈvɜːt/
Group 6Difficulty 2/3
Definition
- (verb)
- To undermine the power and authority of an established system or institution GRE
Example in Context
The intelligence report warned that foreign actors were attempting to subvert the integrity of the electoral process through disinformation.
Synonyms
overthrowunderminesabotage
Etymology
To turn something under — undermining authority.
- sub- (Latin) — under
- vertere (Latin) — to turn
Memory Aid
🔄Sounds like “subvert”
Imagine a sneaky SUBMARINE that turns the whole world UPSIDE DOWN — that's to SUBVERT!
Visual Association
🚧A group of squirrels plotting in a tree, secretly undermining the humans below — chaos ensues!
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “subvert” mean on the GRE?
subvert (verb) means “To undermine the power and authority of an established system or institution”. The intelligence report warned that foreign actors were attempting to subvert the integrity of the electoral process through disinformation.
How to remember “subvert” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “subvert” sounds like “subvert”. Imagine a sneaky SUBMARINE that turns the whole world UPSIDE DOWN — that's to SUBVERT!
What are synonyms for “subvert”?
Common synonyms: overthrow, undermine, sabotage.