Subvert, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Subverted; p. pr. & vb. n. Subverting.]
Etymology: [L. subvertere, subversum; sub under + vertere to turn: cf. F. subvertir. See Verse.]
1. To overturn from the foundation; to overthrow; to ruin utterly. These are his substance, sinews, arms, and strength, With which he yoketh your rebellious necks, Razeth your cities, and subverts your towns. Shak. This would subvert the principles of all knowledge. Locke.
2. To pervert, as the mind, and turn it from the truth; to corrupt; to confound. 2 Tim. iii. 14.
Syn. -- To overturn; overthrow; destroy; invert; reverse; extinguish.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Subvert, v. i.
To overthrow anything from the foundation; to be subversive. They have a power given to them like that of the evil principle, to subvert and destroy.
Shades of meaning
To subvert is to overthrow from or as from the very foundation; utterly destroy; bring to ruin. The word is now generally figurative, as of moral or political ruin. To supersede implies the putting of something that is wisely or unwisely preferred in the place of that which is removed; to subvert does not imply substitution. To supplant is more often personal, signifying to take the place of another, usually by underhanded means; one is superseded by authority, supplanted by a rival. Compare abolish.