Subversives

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Individuals or groups that seek to undermine or overthrow established systems or institutions, particularly through secretive or disruptive means
2. Agents of change who challenge the status quo, often associated with political movements or ideologies
3. Persons advocating or engaging in acts intended to subvert authority, usually aiming to instigate significant societal transformation

Etymology: "Subversives" is the plural of "subversive," which entered English in the 15th century as an adjective, borrowed from Old French "subversif" and Latin "subversivus." The Latin verb "subvertere" meant to overturn or turn upside down, combining "sub-" (from below) with "vertere" (to turn), the same root behind "verse," "version," and "vertigo." The noun for people who work to topple a system likely developed later, in the 20th century, when political agitators were often labelled this way.

Synonyms: rebels, insurgents, dissidents, traitors

Antonyms: loyalists, supporters