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

But Democrats have a far better chance of narrowing an already thinning GOP majority, leaving Republicans with less wiggle room for defections or even routine absences. — Greg Bluestein, AJC.com, 11 Aug. 2026

Over the last year or so, the league saw some high-profile defections back to the PGA Tour, the very establishment that LIV was meant to surpass. — Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026

Republicans hold a narrow 53-47 majority in the Senate, which has been winnowed to 52 during McConnell’s extended absence — meaning Blanche can only afford two Republican defections to be confirmed. — Kevin Breuninger,garrett Downs, CNBC, 6 Aug. 2026

Republican defections in the House of Representatives have repeatedly prompted symbolic rebukes of the Iran war. — Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026

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