defection

Noun
Synonyms: desertionabandonmentapostasyrenunciation

WordNet 3.0

Noun (2)

  1. withdrawing support or help despite allegiance or responsibility“his abandonment of his wife and children left them penniless”Synonyms: desertionabandonment
  2. the state of having rejected your religious beliefs or your political party or a cause (often in favor of opposing beliefs or causes)Synonyms: apostasyrenunciation
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Defection \De*fec"tion\, n. [L. defectio: cf. F. d['e]fection. See Defect.] Act of abandoning a person or cause to which one is bound by allegiance or duty, or to which one has attached himself; desertion; failure in duty; a falling away; apostasy; backsliding. "Defection and falling away from God." --Sir W. Raleigh. [1913 Webster]

The general defection of the whole realm. --Sir J. Davies. [1913 Webster]

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