Word
defection
Phoneticsde·fec·tion, stress on the second syllable
US/dɪˈfɛkʃən/
UK/dɪfˈɛkʃən/
Definition
n. the act of leaving a group, country, or organization to join a different one. It is often used when someone leaves their own side to join the enemy.
n. the act of leaving one's own country, party, or organization to join another, especially an opposing one. Often carries a political or military connotation.
Examples
“The defection of the general caused a major shift in the war.”
“The government offered a safe passage to any citizen who wished to defect to the neighboring country.”
“The sudden defection of several high-ranking officials raised serious questions about the internal stability of the administration and its ability to maintain a unified front.”
Examples
simple
“The defection of the general caused a major shift in the war.”
contextual
“The government offered a safe passage to any citizen who wished to defect to the neighboring country.”
complex
“The sudden defection of several high-ranking officials raised serious questions about the internal stability of the administration and its ability to maintain a unified front.”
Real-World Examples
“It was marked by a dizzying wave of defections and bitter internal conflicts.” “While a defeat would not mean that Tinubu has lost the southwest, it would challenge the assumption that political defections and elite alliances automatically translate into electoral support.” Word family
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/defection