Subversion \Sub*ver"sion\, n. [L. subversio: cf. F. subversion. See Subvert.]

The act of overturning, or the state of being overturned; entire overthrow; an overthrow from the foundation; utter ruin; destruction; as, the subversion of a government; the subversion of despotic power; the subversion of the constitution.

The subversion [by a storm] of woods and timber . . . through my whole estate. --Evelyn.

Laws have been often abused to the oppression and subversion of that order they were intended to preserve. --Rogers.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)