颠覆 diānfù to topple (i.e. knock over)
to topple (i.e. knock over); to capsize; figuratively to overturn (a regime, by plotting or subversion); to undermine; to subvert
How to remember 颠覆: 颠 peak + 覆 to cover = to topple (i.e. knock over).
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How it is used
- To subvert / overturn completely - a regime, or conventional thinking - 颠覆传统观念 (diānfù chuántǒng guānniàn) to overturn traditional ideas.
- Two registers: political subversion (颠覆政权) and the trendy 'disruptive/game-changing' sense (颠覆行业).
- Stronger than 改变 (to change) - 颠覆 means turning something on its head, radically upending it.