\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.