Subvert

To undermine the power and authority of an established system or institution; to corrupt or disrupt something established or accepted. This often involves a hidden or indirect method, aiming to weaken or overthrow a political system, social order, or belief structure. The act of subverting often involves introducing ideas or actions that contradict the established norms, leading to a change in perspective, values, or control. The ultimate goal is usually to challenge or dismantle existing structures to replace them with something else, or to weaken them. The change sought by subversion can be either obvious or subtle.

Subvert meaning with examples

• The rebels plotted to Subvert the government by spreading propaganda and inciting unrest among the population. Their goal was to weaken the ruling powers and seize control. This strategy included infiltrating key institutions and eroding public trust in existing leadership. It would lead to a new government.
• The author attempted to Subvert traditional storytelling by using an unreliable narrator, challenging the reader's perception of truth. The shifting of focus from one character to another, changed the reader's grasp of what was reality.
• Activists used social media to Subvert the company's marketing campaign, highlighting its environmental impact. They used memes to do it. By circulating counter-narratives, they aimed to damage the corporation's reputation.
• The artist chose to Subvert the established norms of portraiture by painting abstract figures, creating a new perspective. The resulting imagery was both stunning and a powerful statement. It was a visual commentary.
• Conspiracy theorists attempted to Subvert the public's trust in scientific findings, promoting alternative explanations for widely accepted concepts. They spread misinformation to confuse the public and undermine the scientific consensus.