defection
noun
de·fec·tion
di-ˈfek-shən 
: 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
Secretary of State Marco Rubio also agreed to testify to Congress as the administration worked to stave off defections.
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Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026
The loss of the UAE is the single biggest defection in OPEC’s history.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 28 Apr. 2026
Part of a wave of dissident departures, Carvajal’s defection was akin to a dam breaking, then-US Senator Marco Rubio said at the time.
—Max Saltman, CNN Money, 26 Apr. 2026
The Liberal majority and the recent defections are another blow to Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, who lost the previous national election last year and even his own seat.
—ABC News, 13 Apr. 2026
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Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026
The loss of the UAE is the single biggest defection in OPEC’s history.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 28 Apr. 2026
Part of a wave of dissident departures, Carvajal’s defection was akin to a dam breaking, then-US Senator Marco Rubio said at the time.
—Max Saltman, CNN Money, 26 Apr. 2026
The Liberal majority and the recent defections are another blow to Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, who lost the previous national election last year and even his own seat.
—ABC News, 13 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for defection
Cite this Entry
“Defection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/defection. Accessed 3 May. 2026.
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