defector
Americannoun
Other Word Forms
- nondefector noun
- redefector noun
Etymology
Origin of defector
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Reuters spoke to Western intelligence officials, sources close to the Iranian and Israeli leadership as well as a Syrian military defector and a serving Syrian officer about the flights for this article.
From Reuters
Most of the interview focused on the defector’s disenchantment with the Russian invasion of Ukraine and his escape from the service.
From Washington Times
But the most well-known defector from the PGA Tour, Phil Mickelson, also opened solidly with 71 and added a birdie at the first Friday to reach 2 under for the championship.
From Seattle Times
To force a debt limit vote, Democrats would need the support of all their members, as well as at least five Republican defectors.
From New York Times
Those 18 are the defectors who bolted for the Saudi-backed LIV Golf circuit, and they are on trial this week.
From Washington Post
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
