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

With all 10 Democrats on the committee opposed, Republicans can afford no defections. — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 13 July 2026

Not too shabby for a man who was roundly ridiculed for his defection from LaLiga in 2007. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 10 July 2026

Reformist insiders, shifting alliances, and defections among coalition partners ultimately unraveled the governing framework. — Wesley Alexander Hill, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

That legislation passed both the House and Senate with a handful of GOP defections. — David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 25 June 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