defection

noun

de·fec·tion di-ˈfek-shən

Synonyms of defection next

: 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 Bush switched his endorsement from Sotelo-Solis to Rodriguez in 2022, one of many progressive and labor union defections toward Rodriguez in a heated race. —

Andrew Keatts, Axios, 17 Sep. 2024 The century-old Pacific 12 Conference added four new members, officials said Thursday, in hope of revitalizing the college sports alliance that has been reduced to rubble by stunning defections. —

David K. Li, NBC News, 12 Sep. 2024 Johnson and other Republican congressional leaders expected as many as 15 defections from the GOP caucus on the funding measure if the vote happened Wednesday, NBC News reported. —

Rebecca Picciotto, CNBC, 11 Sep. 2024 He’d also been recruited by the CIA before the Games, agreeing to help facilitate defections by Soviet athletes. —

Erik Ofgang, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for defection

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'defection.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler

The first known use of defection was in 1532

See more words from the same year