defection

noun

de·fec·tion di-ˈfek-shən

Synonyms of defection next

: 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 None of the events has quieted his critics, although there has not been a flood of defections from Biden’s cause either. —

Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 12 July 2024 Senior campaign leaders are scheduled to meet with Senate Democrats this afternoon in an effort to prevent more defections. —

Sarah D. Wire, USA TODAY, 11 July 2024 Biden's team leaders are scrambling to keep their staffs motivated while trying to avoid more defections from donors and Democratic lawmakers. —

Zachary Basu, Axios, 11 July 2024 Biden's campaign team was also calling and texting lawmakers to try to head off more potential defections, while increasingly asking high-profile Biden supporters to speak out on his behalf. —

Compiled Bydemocrat-Gazette Stafffrom Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 8 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for defection

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'defection.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

See more words from the same year