Meaning & use
defecting
Last updated
Abandoning one's country, political party, or cause in favor of an opposing one.
See it in a sentence
The scientist was defecting to a rival research institute after years of disputes.
Several officials were accused of defecting to the opposition party.
A note on using this word
Most associated with Cold War-era spies and athletes who left their home country, though it applies broadly to switching allegiance.
Words with a similar meaning
desertingswitching sides
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
remaining loyal
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “defecting”, then compare your use with the examples above.
Your draft stays on this page and is not sent anywhere.