Meaning & use
Defected
Last updated
Past tense of "defect," meaning to abandon allegiance to one's country, group, or cause, typically to join an opposing one.
See it in a sentence
The scientist defected to another country, taking years of research with him.
Several party members defected after disagreeing with the new leadership.
A note on using this word
Often used in political and military contexts to describe someone leaving their nation or organization for a rival one.
Words with a similar meaning
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
remained loyal
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