defection

[ dih-fek-shuhn ]

noun

1. desertion from allegiance, loyalty, duty, or the like; apostasy:

   His defection to East Germany was regarded as treasonable.

   Antonyms: loyalty

2. failure; lack; loss:

   He was overcome by a sudden defection of courage.

defection

/ dɪˈfɛkʃən /

noun

1. the act or an instance of defecting
2. abandonment of duty, allegiance, principles, etc; backsliding
3. another word for defect defect

Other Words From

• nonde·fection noun
• rede·fection noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of defection¹

1535–45; < Latin dēfectiōn- (stem of dēfectiō ), equivalent to dēfect ( us ) ( defect ) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

It sure looks as if he scrambled to develop this novel theory to assure Trump of his fealty and avoid getting bumped off the Supreme Court short list for his lone defection from MAGA.

From Slate

Reports of paramilitary fighters on the rampage in Gezira follow the recent defection to the army of Abu Aqla Kayka, the RSF’s top commander in the state.

From BBC

The army said he had brought "a large number of his forces" with him, in what it described as the first high-profile defection to its side.

From BBC

The attacks follow the recent defection to the army of the RSF’s top commander in Gezira state.

From BBC

One of the most prominent leaders in the anti-abortion movement, Ms Rose’s defection signals a potential problem with Trump’s new strategy.

From BBC

Related Words

• desertion
• divorce
• failure
• rejection
• revolt
• withdrawal