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subvert

verb/səbˈvɜrt/

definition

to undermine the power and authority of an established system or institution

example

Activists aimed to subvert the government's authority by organizing protests that challenged its policies.

synonyms
undermineoverthrowsabotage
word origin — from Latin 'subvertere', meaning 'to turn upside down', from 'sub-' (under) + 'vertere' (to turn)

SAT Vocabulary Level 3 — Set 262

Set 262 of SAT Vocabulary Level 3 covers 5 words: subvert, derogate, waft, bedizen, belittle. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

  1. subvert · verb/səbˈvɜrt/

    to undermine the power and authority of an established system or institution

    Activists aimed to subvert the government's authority by organizing protests that challenged its policies.

    Synonyms: undermine, overthrow, sabotage

    Origin: from Latin 'subvertere', meaning 'to turn upside down', from 'sub-' (under) + 'vertere' (to turn)

  2. derogate · verb/ˈdɛrəˌɡeɪt/

    to belittle or detract from the worth or value of something

    His comments seemed to derogate the achievements of his colleagues, undermining their hard work.

    Synonyms: deprecate, belittle, disparage

    Origin: from Latin 'derogare', meaning 'to detract or take away from'

  3. waft · verb/wæft/

    to pass gently through the air or to be conveyed lightly

    The delicious aroma of freshly baked bread began to waft through the kitchen, enticing everyone nearby.

    Synonyms: drift, breeze, flutter

    Origin: Middle English, from Old Norse 'vöft' meaning 'a wisp or light wind'

  4. bedizen · verb/bɪˈdaɪ.zən/

    to dress or adorn in a showy or gaudy manner

    The fashion designer decided to bedizen the models in extravagant outfits adorned with sequins and feathers for the runway show.

    Synonyms: dress, adorn, embellish

    Origin: The word 'bedizen' originates from the early 17th century, derived from the prefix 'be-' meaning 'to cause to be' and 'dizen,' which means 'to dress or adorn.' The exact origin of 'dizen' is uncertain, but it may be linked to the Old English term 'disen,' meaning 'to dress.'

  5. belittle · verb/bɪˈlɪtəl/

    to make someone or something seem less important or worthy

    It's unfair to belittle someone's efforts just because the results didn't meet expectations.

    Synonyms: diminish, disparage, deprecate

    Origin: The word 'belittle' originated in the early 19th century, combining 'be-' (a prefix meaning 'to make') with 'little' (meaning 'small' or 'insignificant').