Word
defectors
Phoneticsde·fec·tors, stress on the second syllable
US/dɪˈfɛktɝz/
UK/dɪfˈɛktəz/
Plural noun
Definition
n. people who leave their own country, political party, or group to join an opposing one. This usually happens because they disagree with the original group or want to escape a difficult situation.
n. individuals who abandon their country, cause, or organization in favour of an opposing one. Often carries a political connotation involving the crossing of borders or the switching of ideological allegiances.
Examples
“Many defectors crossed the border to find safety.”
“The government offered protection to the defectors in exchange for information about the military's secret plans.”
“Historians often analyze the testimonies of defectors to gain insights into the internal workings of secretive regimes that are otherwise inaccessible to outside observers.”
Examples
simple
“Many defectors crossed the border to find safety.”
contextual
“The government offered protection to the defectors in exchange for information about the military's secret plans.”
complex
“Historians often analyze the testimonies of defectors to gain insights into the internal workings of secretive regimes that are otherwise inaccessible to outside observers.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “defectors” in context.
Verb
01. defector flee
“The defector fled across the border under the cover of darkness.”
noun + verb
02. defector reveal
“A prominent defector revealed the existence of a secret weapons program.”
noun + verb
03. interrogate defector
“Intelligence officers spent weeks interrogating the defector to verify his story.”
verb + noun
04. repatriate defector
“Human rights groups argued against the decision to repatriate the defectors.”
verb + noun
05. shelter defector
“The embassy was accused of sheltering defectors from the local government.”
verb + noun
Adjective
06. high-profile defector
“The high-profile defector provided intelligence about the regime's military capabilities.”
adj + noun
07. political defector
“Several political defectors have sought asylum in neighboring countries this year.”
adj + noun
08. potential defector
“Border security was tightened to prevent any potential defectors from crossing.”
adj + noun
Noun
09. stream of defectors
“A steady stream of defectors has been arriving at the border since the crisis began.”
noun + prep + noun
10. encourage soldiers to defect
“Leaflets were dropped to encourage soldiers to defect to the other side.”
11. protect the identity of defectors
“The agency works hard to protect the identity of defectors living abroad.”
12. seek asylum as a defector
“He decided to seek asylum as a defector after his life was threatened.”
Usage
The plural form of 'defector'; usually refers to people moving between political states or military units.
Real-World Examples
“Defectors in South Korea often receive information through informal networks along the Chinese border.” “Former North Korean officials, defectors and experts say it would be difficult for anyone unconnected to the regime's leadership to own or freely use vessels of this size.” “Only two North Korean defectors entered South Korea from April to June this year, the fewest ever in a single quarter, according to South Korea's unification ministry, which handles relations with the North.” “North Korean security personnel have been visiting families within the isolated nation for at least the last year, informing them that it would be secure for their relatives in the South to return, several defectors in Seoul disclosed to Reuters.” Etymology
Derived from the Latin 'defectio', meaning a desertion or failure. It entered English via the French 'défecteur', originally describing those who abandoned a duty or a lord.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related words
- 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/defectors