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

Only then do defections at lower levels of the military become meaningful. —Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 2 Feb. 2026

Their planned ambush is turned on them, and ultimately Roper puts a bullet in Teddy’s head for his defection. —Hunter Ingram, Variety, 1 Feb. 2026

The conservative House Freedom Caucus voiced opposition to the plan earlier this week, and the measure will first need to advance through the Rules Committee, where Republican defections could prevent the package from getting to the floor. —Lexie Schapitl, NPR, 31 Jan. 2026

This idea has ample support from broader theories in behavioral ecology, where cooperative interactions within or across species can be stabilized by mechanisms that penalize exploitation or defection. —Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 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