Subvert vs. Divert — What's the Difference?
Difference Between Subvert and Divert
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Compare with Definitions
Subvert
Undermine the power and authority of (an established system or institution)
An attempt to subvert democratic government
Divert
Cause (someone or something) to change course or turn from one direction to another
A scheme to divert water from the river to irrigate agricultural land
Subvert
To overthrow or destroy (a government or an established order or authority).
Divert
Distract (someone) from something
She managed to divert Rose from the dangerous topic of Lady Usk
Subvert
To undermine, overturn, or render ineffective (a rule or an established notion, such as a stereotype, for example).
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Divert
To turn aside from a course or direction
Traffic was diverted around the scene of the accident.
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).
Divert
To distract
My attention was diverted by an argument between motorists.
Subvert
To undermine, mislead, or betray
"Willy's batch of unexamined dreams and aspirations confused, misled, and subverted him" (Joseph Badaracco).
Divert
To entertain by distracting the attention from worrisome thoughts or cares; amuse.
Subvert
(transitive) To overturn from the foundation; to overthrow; to ruin utterly.
Divert
To turn aside.
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.
Divert
(transitive) To turn aside from a course.
The workers diverted the stream away from the road.
Subvert
(transitive) To upturn convention from the foundation by undermining it (literally, to turn from beneath).
Divert
(transitive) To distract.
Don't let him divert your attention; keep your eye on the ball.
Subvert
An advertisement created by subvertising.
Divert
(transitive) To entertain or amuse (by diverting the attention)
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.
Divert
To turn aside; to digress.
Subvert
To pervert, as the mind, and turn it from the truth; to corrupt; to confound.
Divert
To turn aside; to turn off from any course or intended application; to deflect; as, to divert a river from its channel; to divert commerce from its usual course.
That crude apple that diverted Eve.
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.
Divert
To turn away from any occupation, business, or study; to cause to have lively and agreeable sensations; to amuse; to entertain; as, children are diverted with sports; men are diverted with works of wit and humor.
We are amused by a tale, diverted by a comedy.
Subvert
Cause the downfall of; of rulers;
The Czar was overthrown
Subvert the ruling class
Divert
To turn aside; to digress.
I diverted to see one of the prince's palaces.
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
Divert
Turn aside; turn away from
Subvert
Destroy property or hinder normal operations;
The Resistance sabotaged railroad operations during the war
Divert
Send on a course or in a direction different from the planned or intended one
Subvert
Destroy completely;
We must not let our civil liberties be subverted by the current crisis
Divert
Occupy in an agreeable, entertaining or pleasant fashion;
The play amused the ladies
Divert
Withdraw (money) and move into a different location, often secretly and with dishonest intentions
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