subversive
UK: səbˈvɜːsɪv | US: səbˈvɜːrsɪv
adj. seeking or intended to undermine or overthrow an established system or institution
n. a person who engages in subversive activities
subversive = sub<under> + vers<turn> + ive<adjective suffix>
- sub (from Latin sub-, meaning "under")
- vers (from Latin vertere, meaning "to turn")
- ive (Latin-derived suffix forming adjectives indicating tendency or capacity)
Etymology Origin:
The word subversive originates from Latin subvertere ("to overthrow"), combining sub- (under) and vertere (to turn). The literal sense of "turning from beneath" evolved metaphorically to describe actions aimed at destabilizing authority or systems. The suffix -ive was added in Late Latin (subversivus) to form an adjective, later adopted into English in the 17th century with its modern political connotation.
The government banned subversive literature to prevent dissent.
Her subversive humor subtly criticized societal norms.
The group was accused of subversive plots against the regime.
Artists often use subversive imagery to challenge power structures.
His subversive ideas made him a target for censorship.