defection meaning

UK US /dɪˈfɛkʃən/ 3 syllables

defection (noun): withdrawing support or help despite allegiance or responsibility.

defection has 2 meanings in this dictionary.

defection as a noun

  1. withdrawing support or help despite allegiance or responsibility
    • his abandonment of his wife and children left them penniless

    Synonyms: desertion, abandonment

    Type of: withdrawal

    Kinds: abscondment, absence without leave, deviationism

    Related forms: defect

  2. the state of having rejected your religious beliefs or your political party or a cause (often in favor of opposing beliefs or causes)

    Synonyms: apostasy, renunciation

    Type of: rejection

    Related forms: defect

How to pronounce defection

defection is pronounced /dɪˈfɛkʃən/ in American English. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.

Words that rhyme with defection

Scrabble score: 15 (letter breakdown)

Word lists: words starting with DE · words ending in ON · 9-letter words

More about defection on Wikipedia.