subversionaryadj.
/səbˈvəːʃn̩(ə)ri/, U.S. /səbˈvərʒəˌnɛri/, /səbˈvərʃəˌnɛri/ = subversive adj.
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
1834 Christian Observer App. 817 So much only of change as may be strictly corrective and conservational, but not rashly innovative or subvertionary.]
1861 Daily Evening Bull. (San Francisco) 14 May More than seven States in a status of direct antagonism..—a subversionary attempt.
1894 Speaker 30 June 712/2 Firmness and courage in dealing with subversionary forces during his Premiership.
1918 J. A. Cramb Schönbrunn vii. 196 What our gracious Emperor desires is not men imbued with new ideas and subversionary theories, but men faithful to the traditions which in the past have made Austria glorious.
1998–9 Film Q. Winter 32/1 The guerilla's main purpose is to be a subversionary creator of chaos among the enemy force.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2012; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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adj.1861