Defection: meaning, definitions and examples
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defection
[ dɪˈfɛkʃ(ə)n ]
political betrayal
Defection is the act of betraying one's country, organization, or political party. It involves switching allegiance or loyalty to another group or cause, often resulting in a loss of trust and credibility. Defection can have significant political implications, leading to power shifts, diplomatic tensions, and internal conflicts.
Synonyms
betrayal, desertion, treason, turncoat.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
defection |
Typically used in political or organizational contexts when someone abandons their position, group, or cause, often to join an opposing one.
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betrayal |
Commonly used in personal, emotional contexts to describe breaking someone's trust or being disloyal.
|
treason |
Used in legal or formal contexts when someone betrays their country, especially by attempting to overthrow the government.
|
desertion |
Often used in military contexts to describe leaving duty without permission, but can also apply to abandoning responsibilities.
|
turncoat |
Used derogatorily to describe someone who switches allegiances, usually in a political or competitive setting.
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Examples of usage
- His defection to the opposing party shocked his former colleagues.
- The general's defection weakened the government's position in the conflict.
- She faced accusations of defection after leaking classified information.
- The defection of key members of the organization caused a crisis.
- Defection is considered a serious offense in many countries.
Translations
Translations of the word "defection" in other languages:
🇵🇹 defecção
- deserção
- traição
🇮🇳 दलबदल
- द्रोह
- देशद्रोह
🇩🇪 Abtrünnigkeit
- Überlaufen
- Fahnenflucht
🇮🇩 pembelotan
- desersi
- pengkhianatan
🇺🇦 дезертирство
- перебіжництво
- зрада
🇵🇱 dezercja
- przejście na drugą stronę
- zdrada
🇯🇵 脱党
- 脱走
- 裏切り
🇫🇷 défection
- désertion
- trahison
🇪🇸 deserción
- traición
- cambio de bando
🇹🇷 firar
- terk
- ihanet
🇰🇷 탈당
- 탈영
- 배신
🇸🇦 انشقاق
- هروب
- خيانة
🇨🇿 dezertérství
- přeběhnutí
- zrada
🇸🇰 dezercia
- prebehnutie
- zrada
🇨🇳 叛逃
- 变节
- 叛离
🇸🇮 dezertiranje
- prebeg
- izdaja
🇮🇸 flótti
- liðhlaup
- svik
🇰🇿 дезертирлік
- сатқындық
- ауысу
🇬🇪 გადახტა
- გაქცევა
- ღალატი
🇦🇿 firaq
- tərk
- xəyanət
🇲🇽 deserción
- traición
- cambio de bando
Etymology
The word 'defection' originated from the Latin word 'defectionem', which means a failure or desertion. It first appeared in English in the late 15th century. Throughout history, defection has been a common occurrence in politics, military, and organizations, often leading to significant consequences.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #18,796, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.
- ...
- 18793 pensioner
- 18794 crankshaft
- 18795 hunched
- 18796 defection
- 18797 enticing
- 18798 stasis
- 18799 strangeness
- ...