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

Subsequent journalistic and political events—a New York Times editorial, the first Democratic congressional defection, Nancy Pelosi’s television appearance, and George Clooney’s op-ed—repeatedly repriced the contract. — Simon Denny, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026

North Korea hasn't publicly commented on the transfer but has previously claimed major defections of its citizens were the result of South Korea abducting them or luring them to flee. — ABC News, 29 Sep. 2026

By contrast, if Weiss is not getting a promotion, Ellison would be wise to say something the minute the deal is officially closed, heading off speculation about CNN’s future and preventing possible talent defections at the network. — Josef Adalian, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2026

Still, any gains made on the DTC front are cause for celebration, given the ongoing defections in the linear pay-TV business. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 23 Sep. 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