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

Filling the seat puts pressure on House Speaker Mike Johnson With such tight numbers, Republicans can afford only three defections to pass a piece of legislation with a majority vote. —Laura Gersony, AZCentral.com, 15 July 2025

The House passed the bill 218-214, with only two Republican defections. ‘BEAUTIFUL’ BILL 2.0? —Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 4 July 2025

With a razor-thin majority, Johnson can afford only three defections if all members are voting and present. —Lauren Peller, ABC News, 2 July 2025

Republicans hold a 53 to 47 majority and face United Democratic opposition, and the defection of at least two of their members. —Taylor Wilson, USA Today, 1 July 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