1. to secretly weaken or destroy a political system, institution, or established order
2. to corrupt or destroy someone’s beliefs or loyalty

Examples

• The spy subverts the government from within.
• Propaganda subverts people’s trust in democratic institutions.
• The corrupt official subverts the legal system for personal gain.
• Social media sometimes subverts traditional news sources.
• The rebel group subverts authority through underground networks.
• False information subverts public confidence in science.
• The dictator subverts constitutional rights to maintain power.