defection

American  

[dih-fek-shuhn] / dɪˈfɛk ʃən /

noun

1. desertion from allegiance, loyalty, duty, or the like; apostasy.

   His defection to East Germany was regarded as treasonable.

   Antonyms:

   loyalty

2. failure; lack; loss.

   He was overcome by a sudden defection of courage.

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defection British  

/ dɪˈfɛkʃən /

noun

1. the act or an instance of defecting

2. abandonment of duty, allegiance, principles, etc; backsliding

3. another word for defect defect

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Other Word Forms

• nondefection noun
• redefection noun

Etymology

Origin of defection

1535–45; < Latin dēfectiōn- (stem of dēfectiō ), equivalent to dēfect ( us ) ( defect ) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

After the defection, the association said the agreement for him to use the building was invalid and later changed the locks without notice, with Mr Rosindell's staff only allowed to retrieve work items under supervision.

From BBC

Idlout endorsed Lewis as leader prior to her defection but said she decided to cross the floor after "much personal reflection" and the desire to be part of "a strong and ambitious government".

From BBC

Despite punishing attacks on internal security organizations, including bases and command centers of the Revolutionary Guard and the plainclothes Basij militias, there has been no indication of serious defections or division.

From The Wall Street Journal

Carney, who leads a minority government, has been closing in on a majority in recent months - largely helped by recent defections by three former Conservative members of parliament.

From BBC

Carney has been able to get so close to a majority, in part, due to recent defections by three former Conservative members of parliament.

From BBC

Related Words

• desertion
• divorce
• failure
• rejection
• revolt
• withdrawal