Subvert – to try to destroy weaken, especially a political system

(Pronounced suhb-vurt)

To remember the definition of the word subvert, use the following mnemonic:

The submarine fired its torpedo vertically (subvert) destroying the ship above and weakening their enemy's morale. On board the enemy ship were government leaders, who all died, weakening their political system. 

Examples of subvert in a sentence

They spread propaganda to subvert the government's authority over the citizens. 

The crew staged a mutiny and subverted the captain's position of power. 

The police force needed a new plan to subvert the mob's influence.