a. [ad. L. *subversīvus, f. subvers-, pa. ppl. stem of subvertĕre to SUBVERT: see -IVE. Cf. F. subversif, Sp. su(b)versivo, Pg. subversivo.] Having a tendency to subvert or overthrow; tending to subversion.
1644. Hunton, Vindic. Treat. Mon., iv. 22. Who have … actually used forceable Resistance against subversive Instruments of their Soveraignes Will.
1730. Waterland, Rem. Clarke’s Expos. Ch.-Catech., 92. If we once yield to go farther than is reasonable … in the subversive Way, there is no knowing where … to stop.
1858. Stanley, Life Arnold, II. ix. 156. One fatal error, subversive indeed, in its consequences.
1885. R. L. & F. Stevenson, Dynamiter, 88. Whether it was the salt or the mustard, or the mere combination of so many subversive agents,… the young sufferer obtained relief.
1887. Lowell, Democracy, etc., 12. Nor was it among the people that subversive or mistaken doctrines had their rise.
b. Const. of.
1724. A. Collins, Gr. Chr. Relig., 245. They put a sense upon the words subversive of the true literal sense.
1762. Kames, Elem. Crit. (1763), II. xviii. 433. I know no other fault more subversive of the melody.
1769. Blackstone, Comm., IV. 52. The principles of the papists being deservedly looked upon to be subversive of the civil government.
1811. D’Israeli, Calam. Auth. (1879), 177. There is a poignant delight in study, often subversive of human happiness.
1849. Macaulay, Hist. Eng., i. I. 121. Liberties which, if allowed to any other troops, would have proved subversive of all discipline.
c. Const. to. (rare.)
1786. Francis the Philanthropist, III. 163. To obviate inconveniences so subversive to their interests.
1879. Cassell’s Techn. Educ., II. 55/1. That same system … was … doomed to the most violent opposition as subversive to the Christian faith.
1912. Ulster Covenant, in Standard, 20 Sept., 8/4. Being convinced in our conscience that Home Rule would be … subversive to our civil and religious freedom.
