Defection

Defection is the act of abandoning one's country, cause, or party in favor of an opposing one. It signifies a betrayal of loyalty or duty, often carrying significant political, social, or personal consequences. This can involve shifting allegiance from a government, organization, military, or political group to a rival entity. defection often implies a calculated decision driven by ideological, personal, or strategic motivations. It can range from minor shifts in opinion to complete disavowal and active opposition of former affiliations, often with the intent to provide support to an opposing side. The severity of the act varies depending on the context and the nature of the group or cause involved.

Defection meaning with examples

• After years of service, the diplomat's defection to a rival nation sent shockwaves through the international community, revealing sensitive information about national security protocols. The defection, motivated by ideological differences, prompted a crisis of trust within his former government, and significantly changed relations between the two countries as a whole.
• The sudden defection of a key scientist working on a crucial project led to a severe setback for the research initiative. Concerns were immediately raised about compromised research data. The team had to restart a huge amount of work and had to reassess the remaining team's security. It seriously undermined the project’s timeline.
• During the political upheaval, numerous members of the ruling party engaged in defection, joining the opposition in the hopes of creating a new coalition. This created a political storm. The rapid shift in alliances drastically altered the balance of power, leading to an early election and an uncertain future for the nation.
• The athlete's defection from her national team to represent a different country was met with mixed reactions. Some hailed her decision as a brave act, others criticized her for abandoning her homeland's colors. This case sparked debates over patriotism and the rights of athletes to pursue personal ambitions.