# defector

/dɪˈfɛktɝ/ (US) · /dɪfˈɛktɐ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/defector
Updated: 2026-10-18

## Definition

a person who leaves their country, army, or group to join the opposite side.

For teachers: a person who abandons allegiance to a state, party, or cause to join an opposing one. Typically implies a political or ideological break rather than ordinary resignation.

## Examples

- The defector tells reporters why he leaves his country.
- After crossing the border, the defector asks for protection and explains why she no longer supports her former government.
- The memoir follows a former intelligence officer turned defector, tracing the slow loss of belief that led him to exchange status and family ties for uncertain safety abroad.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.