defection

noun

de·​fec·​tion di-ˈfek-shən How to pronounce defection (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In either, a defection of five Republicans would sink the effort. Isabella Volmert, Fortune, 26 Oct. 2025 Despite a $50 million bounty for Maduro’s arrest, no defections have occurred within his inner circle, which analysts say is shielded by corruption and fear of prosecution. Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025 The eighth previous champion pre-entered is Nobals, who captured the 2023 Turf Sprint but has been a bit off form recently and will need some defections to get into the race. Jay Posner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Oct. 2025 Roseman, one of the NFL’s top general managers who had just completed perhaps his finest offseason, prepared for potential defections and needed to prioritize. Zach Berman, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for defection

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of defection was in 1532

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Cite this Entry

“Defection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/defection. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

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