Subvene \Sub*vene"\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Subvened}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Subvening}.] [Pref. sub- + L. venire to come. See {Subvention}.] To come under, as a support or stay; to happen. A future state must needs subvene to prevent the whole edifice from falling into ruin. --Bp. Warburton.