defection

noun

de·​fec·​tion di-ˈfek-shən How to pronounce defection (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Live Colorado election results for the 2024 election Boebert’s defection from the 3rd Congressional District created a stir in a part of the state where the Republican candidate is usually a shoo-in. Judith Kohler, The Denver Post, 5 Nov. 2024 Harris, meanwhile, has worked to stave off defections from the left over her support for arming Israel in its war against Hamas in Gaza. Brian Bennett / Washington, TIME, 30 Oct. 2024 No other president in modern history has provoked so many high-level defections. James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2024 It could have been used to decrease morale and encourage defections at a moment of panic. Peter Pomerantsev, Foreign Affairs, 11 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for defection 

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

Dictionary Entries Near defection

Cite this Entry

“Defection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/defection. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

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