Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Subvert \Sub*vert"\, 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.

Subvert \Sub*vert"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Subverted}; p. pr. &
   vb. n. {Subverting}.] [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.

Source : WordNet®

subvert
     v 1: cause the downfall of; of rulers; "The Czar was overthrown";
          "subvert the ruling class" [syn: {overthrow}, {overturn},
           {bring down}]
     2: corrupt morally or by intemperance or sensuality; "debauch
        the young people with wine and women"; "Socrates was
        accused of corrupting young men"; "Do school counselors
        subvert young children?"; "corrupt the morals" [syn: {corrupt},
         {pervert}, {demoralize}, {demoralise}, {debauch}, {debase},
         {profane}, {vitiate}, {deprave}, {misdirect}]
     3: destroy property or hinder normal operations; "The
        Resistance sabotaged railroad operations during the war"
        [syn: {sabotage}, {undermine}, {countermine}, {counteract},
         {weaken}]
     4: destroy completely; "we must not let our civil liberties be
        subverted by the current crisis"