Defection Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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defection

[dɪˈfɛkʃ(ə)n ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

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. His defection to the rival political party shocked everyone. The team's chances were hurt by the defection of their star player.
betrayal	Commonly used in personal, emotional contexts to describe breaking someone's trust or being disloyal. Her betrayal broke his heart. The spy's betrayal led to the capture of several allies.
treason	Used in legal or formal contexts when someone betrays their country, especially by attempting to overthrow the government. The politician was charged with treason for leaking state secrets. Acts of treason are severely punished in every country.
desertion	Often used in military contexts to describe leaving duty without permission, but can also apply to abandoning responsibilities. He was court-martialed for desertion during the war. Her desertion of the family left them in a difficult situation.
turncoat	Used derogatorily to describe someone who switches allegiances, usually in a political or competitive setting. He was labeled a turncoat when he supported the opposing candidate. The turncoat was ostracized by his former allies.

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

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Politics

Defections can be significant in politics, often swaying the balance of power, such as when a government official leaves their party.
In the context of the Cold War, many Eastern Bloc citizens defected to the West, seeking freedom and better living conditions.
Defection is also seen in political parties during elections, where members may switch allegiances to gain favor or influence.

Economics

In business, defection can refer to customers leaving one brand for another, often prompted by better services or products.
Companies analyze defection rates to understand customer loyalty and improve their offerings, minimizing loss to competitors.
Defection can also translate to talent leaving one workplace for another, impacting productivity and corporate culture.

Sports

In sports, defection usually refers to athletes leaving their home country to compete for another, often seen in cases where the original country is under restrictive regimes.
Famous athletes like basketball player Dražen Petrović defected from their countries to pursue professional careers abroad.
Such actions can stir national pride and controversy, highlighting complex relationships between sports and politics.

Psychology

Defection can sometimes be linked to the concept of cognitive dissonance, where individuals feel uncomfortable with their current group's beliefs and seek alignment with different values.
Psychological studies suggest that social identities significantly influence decisions to defect, often driven by the desire for acceptance and belonging.
Emotional reactions, such as betrayal or relief, often accompany defection, affecting the individual’s social relationships and self-perception.

Origin of 'defection'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'defectio', meaning a 'failing or retreat', which connects to the idea of abandoning something.
It first entered the English language in the late 14th century, originally referring to failure in a personal sense.
Over time, it has evolved to encompass political and ideological abandonments, such as in wartime contexts.

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.

See also: defect, defecting, defective, defector, defects.

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.

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18793 pensioner
18794 crankshaft
18795 hunched
18796 defection
18797 enticing
18798 stasis
18799 strangeness
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