defector

[dih-fek-ter]

noun

1. a person who defects from a cause, country, alliance, etc.

Other Word Forms

• nondefector noun
• redefector noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of defector¹

1655–65; < Latin dēfector renegade, rebel, equivalent to dēfec- (variant stem of dēficere to become disaffected, revolt, literally, to fail; defect ) + -tor -tor

Example Sentences

In the past few hours, Farage's party has unveiled a further 20 Tory defectors on local councils.

From BBC

On Nov. 18, as Ryan’s plane was about to depart with cult defectors, one of cult leader Jim Jones’ followers assassinated the congressman.

From Los Angeles Times

Could former Conservative cabinet minister Nadine Dorries - unveiled this week to much fanfare as Reform UK's latest Tory defector - be drafted into the Lords?

From BBC

Another Tory defector, Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire Andrea Jenkyns, told me she believed three more former Conservative MPs were in talks to join Reform.

From BBC

Still, several North Korean defectors have cited the broadcasts as part of the reason they decided to flee to South Korea.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• deserter 
• renegade 
• turncoat