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

The defections come amid mounting criticism of Heritage from traditional conservatives who say the organization has drifted from its core principles. —Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 22 Dec. 2025

The narrative follows Kim Phúc into adulthood—her education, religious awakening, defection to Canada, and, by taking ownership of the photograph in which she was unwillingly portrayed, her eventual emergence as a humanitarian advocate for child victims of conflict. —Literary Hub, 19 Dec. 2025

In the 1990s, the ruling CPDM suffered a barrage of defections and Biya won only 40% of the 1992 election. —Yonatan Morse, The Conversation, 19 Dec. 2025

After his defection, Carvajal vanished from public view, evading extradition for years while seeking asylum in Europe. —Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 Dec. 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