What does subversive elements mean?
Olivia Shea
Updated on May 04, 2026
trying to destroy or damage something, especially an established political system: subversive elements/groups in society. subversive ideas/influences. SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases. Taking action against people in power.
What is the best definition of subversive?
Subversive meaning The definition of subversive is something that is trying to destroy or overthrow something like a government or an idea. An example of subversive is propaganda writing. Intending or intended to subvert an established order, especially to undermine or overthrow an established government.
What is considered a subversive activity?
Definitions of subversive activity. the act of subverting; as overthrowing or destroying a legally constituted government. synonyms: subversion. type of: overthrow. the termination of a ruler or institution (especially by force)
What does subversive power mean?
Subversive activity is the lending of aid, comfort, and moral support to individuals, groups, or organizations that advocate the overthrow of incumbent governments by force and violence.
What’s a subversive mean?
1 : the act of subverting : the state of being subverted especially : a systematic attempt to overthrow or undermine a government or political system by persons working secretly from within. 2 obsolete : a cause of overthrow or destruction.
What does subversive mean in literature?
Art or literature is considered subversive if it attempts to undermine the dominant values and traditions of a society. Definitions of subversive. adjective. in opposition to a civil authority or government. synonyms: insurgent, seditious disloyal.
What does subversive style mean?
You might want to call someone subversive if they are sneakily trying to undermine something, from the social structure of your high school to an entire system of government. Art or literature is considered subversive if it attempts to undermine the dominant values and traditions of a society.
What does self subversive meaning?
tending or intending to subvert or overthrow, destroy, or undermine an established or existing system, especially a legally constituted government or a set of beliefs.
What subversion means?
Definition of subversion 1 : the act of subverting : the state of being subverted especially : a systematic attempt to overthrow or undermine a government or political system by persons working secretly from within. 2 obsolete : a cause of overthrow or destruction.
What is subversion example?
Subversion is being overtaken or overthrown. An example of a subversion is the coup d’état that took place in Thailand in 2006 when the Royal Thai Army ousted the prime minister. A subverting or being subverted; ruin; overthrow. noun. The act of subverting or the condition of being subverted.
What is a subversive figure?
Noun. 1. subversive – a radical supporter of political or social revolution. revolutionary, revolutionist, subverter.
What is the meaning of the word subversive?
Define subversive. subversive synonyms, subversive pronunciation, subversive translation, English dictionary definition of subversive. adj. Intending or intended to subvert an established order, especially to undermine or overthrow an established government: subversive groups; subversive…
What is a subversive government?
Subversives are people who attempt to weaken or destroy a political system or government. Agents regularly rounded up suspected subversives. COBUILD Advanced English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
What is the meaning of subversion in English?
Definition of subversion. 1 : the act of subverting : the state of being subverted; especially : a systematic attempt to overthrow or undermine a government or political system by persons working secretly from within. 2 obsolete : a cause of overthrow or destruction.
What is the difference between subversive and disloyal?
subversive – in opposition to a civil authority or government. insurgent, seditious. disloyal – deserting your allegiance or duty to leader or cause or principle; “disloyal aides revealed his indiscretions to the papers”.