defection
/dɪˈfɛkʃn
/noun [mass noun]
The desertion of one’s country or cause in favour of an opposing one: his defection from the Labour Party [count noun]: a number of defections by leading ballet dancers...
- The costs of defection, for its weaker participants, would assuredly be higher than are the costs of continued compliance.
- The amnesty was offered after Ieng Sary led a mass defection of thousands of Khmer Rouge forces to the government.
- A single additional defection could mean losing a vote of no confidence, leading to early elections.
Synonyms
desertion, absconding, decamping, flight;
changing sides/allegiances, apostasy, recantation, secession;
treason, betrayal, disloyalty, rebellion, mutiny, perfidy
rare tergiversation, recreancy
