CultureAugust 15, 2026
subverting
sub-VERT-ing
Definition
To undermine, invalidate, or challenge the established expectations, rules, or authority of something.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin 'subvertere,' meaning 'to turn upside down' or 'overthrow,' formed by the prefix 'sub-' (under) and 'vertere' (to turn).
In the news
The director partially undermines the traditional literary convention of 'Chekhov's gun,' which suggests that any object introduced in a story must eventually be used.
Mission review – dangerous quest to mend a broken childhood
Read the full article ↗The Guardian