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

But by the time lawmakers returned to Washington on Monday, more than a dozen Republicans had voiced opposition to the resolution — far more than the mere three GOP defections that leaders could afford to lose on the vote with full attendance. —Mychael Schnell, The Hill, 10 Apr. 2025

While a mass defection appears unlikely, some lawmakers – including strong Trump allies – are starting to cautiously speak out. —Zac Anderson, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2025

Originally Published: March 28, 2025 at 5:14 AM EDT Most Popular Most Popular Report: UConn men’s basketball suffers first transfer portal defection A CT man was doing 12 shots a day. —Jan Ellen Spiegel, Hartford Courant, 28 Mar. 2025

Golitsyn's defection had significant repercussions. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025

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