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.
This is to discourage defections, which have become a PR nightmare for the Kremlin. April Austin, The Christian Science Monitor, 27 Feb. 2025 House Speaker Mike Johnson can afford only one defection from his caucus, making building the budget tricky. Margot Sanger-Katz, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2025 That thinking relies heavily, however, on enough squeamish GOP lawmakers opposing Trump's more controversial plans or ideas and there have been few defections on the right thus far. Phillip M. Bailey, USA TODAY, 2 Feb. 2025 Expect the same type of defection to happen to Holland, who is represented by the same agent as Wilkins, unless the safety market deflates. Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 31 Jan. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Defection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/defection. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

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