[sub.ver.sion] n [ME, fr. MF, fr. LL subversion-, subversio, fr. L subvertere] (14c) 1: the act of subverting: the state of being subverted; esp: a systematic attempt to overthrow or undermine a government or political system by persons working secretly from within
2. obs: a cause of overthrow or destruction -- sub.ver.sion.ary adj -- sub.ver.sive adj or n -- sub.ver.sive.ly adv -- sub.ver.sive.ness n