Synonyms of defect (from)

defect (from)

verb

as in to desert

to leave (a cause or party) often in order to take up another

soldiers defected from the rebel army en masse as the failure of their cause became apparent

Synonyms & Similar Words

• desert
• abandon
• reject
• go back on
• cut off
• rat (on)
• jump ship
• run out on
• walk out on
• leave
• withdraw
• forsake
• renounce
• abdicate
• spurn
• repudiate
• disown
• depart
• quit
• abjure
• go
• renege
• apostatize

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• adhere (to)
• stick (to or with)
• cling (to)
• foster
• cultivate
• cherish