Defector: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe someone who has abandoned their country or group in favor of an opposing one, usually for ideological or political reasons. Neutral or slightly negative connotation.

• The defector revealed critical information to the opposing government.
• After years of serving in the army, he became a defector and sought asylum in another country.

Denotes someone who betrays their country, group, or another person. This word has a very strong negative connotation.

• He was branded a traitor for collaborating with the enemy.
• The traitor's actions led to the downfall of their organization.

Describes a person who betrays an organization, country, or set of principles, often used to describe rebels or outlaws. Generally has a rebellious or adventurous connotation.

• The renegade leader rallied his troops for an attack against the regime.
• She became a renegade, rejecting the traditional ways of her community.

Refers to someone who abandons their duties or post, typically in military service, and often carries a strong negative connotation.

• The solider was labeled a deserter after he fled the battlefield.
• Deserters face severe penalties, including imprisonment.

This word is used when someone abandons their country, organization, or cause, often by changing sides in a conflict. It is typically used in political or military settings.

• The soldier was labeled a defector after he was found in the enemy's territory
• The scientist defected to another country to continue his research

This word is used primarily in a religious context when someone renounces or abandons their faith or religious beliefs. It can also be used more broadly to denote someone who has abandoned a particular ideology.

• She was considered an apostate by the community after she publicly declared her departure from the church
• After years of following the political party, he was labeled an apostate when he rejected their principles

This word is often used in a derogatory sense to describe someone who switches loyalty from one allegiance to another, especially in a political or military context. It implies betrayal and disloyalty.

• He was called a turncoat after joining the rival political party
• The villagers saw him as a turncoat for betraying his own people

This word suggests someone who betrays or deserts an organization, movement, or set of principles to which they were originally loyal. It has a somewhat rebellious or maverick connotation.

• The renegade hacker broke away from the group and began working independently
• Her renegade spirit led her to challenge the norms of the academic community