Definition of subvert

The word "subvert" originated in the Middle English period, around the 14th century. It evolved from the Old French "subverten" which means to turn or overturn something completely. The French word, in turn, was derived from the Latin "subvertere," which is a combination of two words: "sub" meaning under or beneath, and "vertere" meaning to turn. The Latin word also had a different meaning, beyond just physically turning something over. It could also mean to overthrow or undermine an established system, which is the sense in which we often use the word today. This sense of undermining or overthrowing authority is thought to have evolved as a result of the political and social upheavals of the Middle Ages, during which rebellion and anti-establishment activities were common. The modern English word "subvert" reflects this broader meaning, as it often refers to acts of resistance or revolution that aim to challenge and overturn prevailing social, political, or cultural norms. In a broader sense, it refers to any action that goes against the established order, whether through force or more subtle means.