defection

noun

de·​fec·​tion di-ˈfek-shən 

: conscious abandonment of allegiance or duty (as to a person, cause, or doctrine) : desertion

Examples of defection in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Some of the Democrats who voted no were furious about the defection. —Brittney Melton, NPR, 10 Nov. 2025

Of course, if there are large-scale defections from YouTube TV, the public may be none the wiser. —Dade Hayes, Deadline, 9 Nov. 2025

Despite three tumultuous relocations in the past half-century, most recently a defection to Sin City five years ago, the Raiders still have a rabid fan base — at Allegiant, every game day is Halloween — and the natives and transplants (including 62,080 attendees Sunday) are getting restless. —Michael Silver, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025

According to Disney, Connolly’s defection came at a critical time, as the company was beginning its billion-dollar license renewal negotiations with YouTube — with Connolly as lead negotiator. —Gene Maddaus, Variety, 30 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin dēfectiōn-, dēfectiō "falling short, failure, abandonment of allegiance," from dēficere "to be lacking, fail, become disaffected, go over (to the side of an opponent)" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at deficient

First Known Use

1532, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for defection

• abjection
• advection
• affection
• bijection
• bisection
• collection
• complexion
• confection
• connection
• connexion
• convection
• correction