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

Now, the Iranian opposition outside of Iran report -- is now reporting massive defections within the IRGC and within the military. —ABC News, 8 Mar. 2026

Although many Iranian leaders have been killed, the regime remains intact, with no visible defections. —Rania Abouzeid, New Yorker, 5 Mar. 2026

Some defections on both the Republican and Democratic sides are expected. —Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 5 Mar. 2026

Trump’s advisers are likely to clear their first hurdle Wednesday, when the Senate votes on his war powers, but their Hill briefings this week will determine the number of GOP defections. —Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 3 Mar. 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