Subversion refers to a process by which the values and principles of a system in place are contradicted or reversed in an attempt to sabotage the established social order and its structures of power, authority, tradition, hierarchy, and social norms. Subversion can be described as an attack on the public morale and, "the will to resist intervention are the products of combined political and social or class loyalties which are usually attached to national symbols. Following penetration, and parallel with the forced disintegration of political and social institutions of the state, these tendencies may be detached and transferred to the political or ideological cause of the aggressor".

ഒരു രാജ്യത്തിലെ നിയമാധിഷ്ഠിതഭരണകൂടത്തെ ബലപ്രയോഗംമൂലം തകിടംമറിക്കാൻ നടത്തുന്ന ശ്രമത്തെ അട്ടിമറിപ്രവർത്തനം എന്നു പറയുന്നു.