subvert

sub·vert

1. To destroy completely; ruin: “schemes to subvert the liberties of a great community” (Alexander Hamilton).
2. To undermine the character, morals, or allegiance of; corrupt.
3. To overthrow completely: “Economic assistance … must subvert the existing … feudal or tribal order” (Henry A. Kissinger). See Synonyms at overthrow.

Origin: Middle English subverten, from Old French subvertir, from Latin subvertere : sub-, sub- + vertere, to turn; see wer-² in Indo-European roots.

Related Forms:

• subverter sub·vertˈer noun