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
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Johnson can only afford three defections if all members are present and voting, given his slim majority. Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 22 May 2025 Republicans can only afford a few defections while still passing the bill in a party-line vote. Mychael Schnell, The Hill, 20 May 2025 Soto’s defection, meanwhile, fully cemented the Mets as financial and competitive heavyweights alongside the Yanks. Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 19 May 2025 Vance would have to cast the first tie-breaking vote of his vice presidency after three Republican defections. Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 18 May 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 3 Jun. 2025.

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