defection
noun
de·fec·tion
di-ˈfek-shən 
: conscious abandonment of allegiance or duty (as to a person, cause, or doctrine) : desertion
Examples of defection in a Sentence
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The 217-213 vote saw just one GOP defection, Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, and now amplifies pressure on Senate Democrats to decide whether to back the measure – or trigger a spending showdown with Trump and risk a potential shutdown.
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Tricia Escobedo, CNN, 12 Mar. 2025
House Republicans suffered just one defection on Tuesday despite very, very public complaints from GOP lawmakers about the package being pushed forward.
—Philip Elliott, TIME, 12 Mar. 2025
Johnson has little room for error with his slim 218-214 majority and can only afford to lose one defection if all members are voting and present.
—Lauren Peller, ABC News, 8 Mar. 2025
Manpower is a significant concern for both sides, and defection is often embarrassing for the country losing personnel.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for defection
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Tricia Escobedo, CNN, 12 Mar. 2025
House Republicans suffered just one defection on Tuesday despite very, very public complaints from GOP lawmakers about the package being pushed forward.
—Philip Elliott, TIME, 12 Mar. 2025
Johnson has little room for error with his slim 218-214 majority and can only afford to lose one defection if all members are voting and present.
—Lauren Peller, ABC News, 8 Mar. 2025
Manpower is a significant concern for both sides, and defection is often embarrassing for the country losing personnel.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for defection
Cite this Entry
“Defection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/defection. Accessed 19 Mar. 2025.
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