subvertiveadj.
/səbˈvəːtɪv/, U.S. /səbˈvərdɪv/ That tends to or is intended to subvert a system, institution, or person; that seeks subversion. Frequently with of, to, etc., indicating the person or thing (intended or tending to be) subverted. Cf. subversive adj. 1.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > creation > destruction > [adjective] > overthrowing (an institution, principle, etc.)
overthrowing?a1425
subversive1642
subvertive1647
subversionary1861
society > authority > lack of subjection > rebelliousness > revolution > [adjective] > tending to overthrow
eversive1626
subversive1642
subvertive1647
subversionary1861
1647 J. Child New-Englands Jonas sig. B4v A seditious Petition full of malignancie, subvertive both to Church and Commonwealth in their foundations.
1680 Way of Peace 26 Some mens Religion, the very principles whereof are many times subvertive of all Government, Order, and Peace.
1745 J. Graham Simon Pure Unmask'd 22 Erroneous Principles, subvertive of the Gospel.
1795 A. M. L. Budget! 6 We want brave P—tl—d, of subvertive mind.
1851 S. Cobb Phantom ix. 36/2 That it is illegal and subvertive of the aims of government, I think you will not deny.
1872 Ohio Med. & Surg. Reporter 6 138 Teachings..so inconsistent, so subvertive of Homœopathy, as the greatest, grandest practical truth in medicine.
1914 Public Health Rep. (U.S. Public Health Service) 29 2402 I think it is the duty of the court to condemn the act in question as subvertive of constitutional liberty and right.
1997 Toronto Star (Nexis) 3 Jan. a1 I don't expect them to be aggressively subvertive, but I do think the public servants will do the best they can do to get the right framework in place.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2018; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
<
adj.1647