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

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

In all seven votes, a majority of 55 senators have voted in favor of the Republican bill, mostly along partisan lines with a few important defections. —George Petras, USA Today, 14 Oct. 2025

Rajoelina had refused to step down despite escalating Gen Z demonstrations demanding his resignation and widespread defections in the army. —CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2025

Versant last month filed its first financial reckoning with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and while the breakaway entity is still generating plenty of cash, the flow has been disrupted by the ongoing rash of customer defections. —Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 3 Oct. 2025

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