subvert

IPA/səbˈvɜːt/
KK[səbvˈɚt]IPA/səbˈvɜːrt/

subvert — verb

  • subvertpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • subvertshe / she / it
  • subvertedpast simple
  • subverting-ing form

1. to work secretly to weaken or destroy an established system, government, or inst

1.動詞及物C1
釋義

to work secretly to weaken or destroy an established system, government, or institution from within

例句

Lakan secretly worked to subvert the colonial government from within its own offices.

subvert + [institution] + from within

The banned group used radio broadcasts to subvert the new regime.

同義詞
  • undermine

    less forceful; suggests gradual weakening rather than outright destruction

  • overthrow

    more direct and forceful; implies open, often violent action rather than secret undermining

  • destabilize

    focuses on creating uncertainty or disorder, not necessarily destroying the system

反義詞
  • uphold

    to support and maintain a system or authority

  • strengthen

    to make a system or institution more secure

文法句型

subvert + noun/noun phrase

用法筆記

Object is typically a system, institution, government, or authority. Often implies secret or indirect methods rather than open attack.

常見錯誤

❌The rebels subverted the king.
✅The rebels subverted the monarchy.
💡'subvert' targets the system or authority, not the individual person holding it.
❌He subverted the rules by finding a gap in them.
✅He circumvented the rules by finding a gap in them.
💡'subvert' means to weaken or destroy from within, not merely to bypass.

2. to weaken a person's moral character, loyalty, or faith, leading them away from

2.動詞及物C1
釋義

to weaken a person's moral character, loyalty, or faith, leading them away from what is right

例句

Kabir feared the extremist group would subvert his younger brother's beliefs.

subvert + [person's] beliefs

The cult leader used isolation to subvert the loyalty of new members.

同義詞
  • corrupt

    broader term; can refer to moral decay from any cause, not only external influence

  • pervert

    stronger and often carries sexual connotations or implies extreme distortion

  • debase

    focuses on lowering quality, standards, or worth rather than specifically moral corruption

反義詞
  • uplift

    to raise someone morally or spiritually

  • edify

    to instruct or improve someone morally or intellectually

文法句型

subvert + noun/noun phrase

用法筆記

Object is typically a person's morals, values, loyalty, or faith. Common in contexts where outside influence is seen as corrupting or leading someone astray.

常見錯誤

❌The film subverted him.
✅The film subverted his moral beliefs.
💡The object must be the moral quality (beliefs, values, faith), not the person directly.