Pervert vs. Subvert — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 27, 2024
Pervert typically refers to distorting or corrupting something, often with a sexual connotation, while subvert involves undermining or overturning established norms or systems.
Difference Between Pervert and Subvert
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Pervert is generally used to describe the act of corrupting something, often moral or aesthetic values, leading it away from its intended purpose. Whereas, subvert describes actions intended to undermine or overthrow structures like governments, laws, or cultural norms.
Pervert can also imply a sexual deviation, where behaviors or desires are considered abnormal or unacceptable by societal standards. On the other hand, subvert does not carry a sexual connotation but focuses more on the disruption of an established order.
In legal or formal contexts, pervert might be used in terms like "perverting the course of justice," which means deliberately acting to interfere with justice processes. Whereas, subvert might be employed in discussions of espionage or political rebellion, emphasizing the intent to destabilize a political system.
In everyday language, to pervert something can simply mean to misuse it or to turn it to a bad purpose. On the other hand, to subvert something can involve a strategic, often secretive effort to challenge the status quo.
In literature, a character described as a pervert is often portrayed with negative traits, focusing on taboo or socially condemned behaviors. Whereas, a character who subverts might be seen as a rebel or revolutionary, potentially viewed in a positive light if the norm they challenge is portrayed as unjust.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
To corrupt or lead away from intended use
To undermine the power and authority of an established system
Connotation
Often negative, especially sexually
Generally political or systemic
Usage in Language
More personal or behavioral
Larger scale, often systemic or organizational
Examples in Context
Perverting the course of justice
Subverting government authority
Perception in Society
Mostly negative, associated with deviance
Can be positive or negative, depending on context
Compare with Definitions
Pervert
To misuse something in a way that is not considered correct.
He perverted the law to serve his own needs.
Subvert
To overturn or overthrow from the foundation; undermine.
The plot to subvert the corporation involved espionage.
Pervert
To influence someone to behave in an immoral or negative way.
The cult leader was known to pervert young minds.
Subvert
To undermine the principles or authority of.
The movement was accused of trying to subvert the country's legal system.
Pervert
To alter something from its original course, meaning, or state to a distortion or corruption of what was first intended.
The dictator attempted to pervert history by destroying documents.
Subvert
To undermine the power and authority of an established system or institution.
The rebels sought to subvert the government.
Pervert
To cause to turn away from what is right or morally acceptable.
Power can sometimes pervert even the most honest politicians.
Subvert
To cause the downfall, ruin, or destruction of.
He aimed to subvert public opinion against the administration.
Pervert
A person whose behavior is regarded as abnormal and unacceptable.
The film portrayed him as a pervert due to his scandalous behavior.
Subvert
To corrupt someone morally.
The book was banned for attempting to subvert traditional values.
Pervert
Distort or corrupt the original course, meaning, or state of (something)
He was charged with conspiring to pervert the course of justice
Subvert
Undermine the power and authority of (an established system or institution)
An attempt to subvert democratic government
Pervert
Lead (someone) away from what is considered natural or acceptable
Hector is a man who is simply perverted by his time
Subvert
To overthrow or destroy (a government or an established order or authority).
Pervert
To cause to turn away from what is right, proper, or good; debase
"yet another example of justice being perverted in an attempt to secure more convictions" (Economist).
Subvert
To undermine, overturn, or render ineffective (a rule or an established notion, such as a stereotype, for example).
Pervert
To corrupt (someone) morally.
Subvert
To cause to serve a purpose other than the original or established one; commandeer or redirect
"a short, virus-like piece of DNA that replicates itself ... by subverting the cell's DNA replication machinery" (Richard Dawkins).
Pervert
To interpret incorrectly; misconstrue or distort
An analysis that perverts the meaning of the poem.
Subvert
To undermine, mislead, or betray
"Willy's batch of unexamined dreams and aspirations confused, misled, and subverted him" (Joseph Badaracco).
Pervert
(dated) One who has been perverted; one who has turned to error; one who has turned to a twisted sense of values or morals.
Subvert
(transitive) To overturn from the foundation; to overthrow; to ruin utterly.
Pervert
(transitive) To turn another way; to divert.
Subvert
(transitive) To pervert, as the mind, and turn it from the truth; to corrupt; to confound.
A dictator stays in power only as long as he manages to subvert the will of his people.
Pervert
(transitive) To corrupt; to cause to be untrue; corrupted or otherwise impure
How could stopping someone from killing himself or herself "pervert the course of justice"?
Subvert
(transitive) To upturn convention from the foundation by undermining it (literally, to turn from beneath).
Pervert
To misapply, misuse, use for a nefarious purpose
He has perverted his talents to dishonest gain.
Subvert
An advertisement created by subvertising.
Pervert
To misinterpret designedly.
Pervert one's words
Subvert
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.
This would subvert the principles of all knowledge.
Pervert
(intransitive) To become perverted; to take the wrong course.
Subvert
To pervert, as the mind, and turn it from the truth; to corrupt; to confound.
Pervert
To turnanother way; to divert.
Let's follow him, and pervert the present wrath.
Subvert
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.
Pervert
To turn from truth, rectitude, or propriety; to divert from a right use, end, or way; to lead astray; to corrupt; also, to misapply; to misinterpret designedly; as, to pervert one's words.
He, in the serpent, had perverted Eve.
Subvert
Cause the downfall of; of rulers;
The Czar was overthrown
Subvert the ruling class
Pervert
To become perverted; to take the wrong course.
Subvert
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
Pervert
One who has been perverted; one who has turned to error, especially in religion; - opposed to convert. See the Synonym of Convert.
That notorious pervert, Henry of Navarre.
Subvert
Destroy property or hinder normal operations;
The Resistance sabotaged railroad operations during the war
Pervert
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
Subvert
Destroy completely;
We must not let our civil liberties be subverted by the current crisis
Pervert
Practice sophistry; change the meaning of or be vague about in order to mislead or deceive
Pervert
Change the inherent purpose or function of something;
Don't abuse the system
The director of the factory misused the funds intended for the health care of his workers
Common Curiosities
Can the term pervert be used in a non-sexual context?
Yes, it can refer to misusing or distorting any aspect, not just sexual behaviors.
How is subverting different from rebelling?
Subverting often involves covert actions to undermine systems, while rebelling can be more overt and confrontational.
Is subverting always illegal?
Not necessarily; it depends on the methods used and the legal framework of the society in question.
What does it mean to pervert something?
It means to corrupt or distort from its original course or meaning.
What role does media play in subverting?
Media can subvert norms by challenging prevailing ideologies or spreading new ideas.
Is it negative to be a pervert?
It is generally viewed negatively, but perspectives can vary based on cultural and personal morals.
What are common goals of subverting?
Common goals include undermining political or social institutions to bring about change.
Why might someone be labeled a pervert?
Due to their sexual behaviors or desires that are seen as deviant by societal standards.
Can a person subvert something unintentionally?
Generally, subversion implies intention; unintentional actions might better be described as undermining or destabilizing.
What are examples of subverting in history?
Examples include resistance movements during wartime or efforts to overturn colonial rule.
How do laws address the issue of perversion?
Laws may penalize certain behaviors deemed perverse, particularly in sexual matters.
Is subversion a common theme in films?
Yes, many films explore themes of subversion, particularly in genres like dystopian or political thrillers.
What motivates someone to subvert?
Motivations can include desire for change, political or ideological beliefs, or personal grievances.
Can literature pervert reality?
Yes, literature can distort or alter perceptions of reality through fictional narratives.
How does society typically respond to acts of subversion?
Responses can range from suppression and punishment to support, depending on the context.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
