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 followed the PGA’s decision to offer a small number of players who had left for LIV a pathway to return to playing in PGA events. — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 8 Sep. 2026

Against a North Texas team that had to completely remake its roster because of mass defections, Hoover completed 13-of-16 passes for 231 yards with four touchdowns in a blowout win. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Sep. 2026

The duo's defiance paved the way for a resolution to condemn socialism, a key election-year messaging bill for the GOP that drew glaring defections among Democrats, many of whom were incensed at the turn of events. — Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2026

Guimaraes’ defection left Newcastle low on experience and creativity. — George Caulkin, New York Times, 2 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