defecting from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "defecting from" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to someone abandoning their allegiance to a group, country, or ideology. Example: "He is defecting from the army to join the opposition." Alternative expressions include "deserting" and "abandoning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Defecting from North Korea is risky.

The Guardian

The 29-year-old Ordonez joined the Mets in 1993, after defecting from Cuba.

The New York Times - Sports

Contreras has not seen her, or their two daughters, since defecting from Cuba in October 2002.

The New York Times - Sports

He has not seen them since defecting from Cuba in October 2002.

The New York Times - Sports

He founded the al-Karama (Dignity) party in 1996 after defecting from the Nasserite party.

The Guardian

Ten years after defecting from her native Wigan, Laura Barton's not going back!

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Young people – particularly socially liberal and economically left-leaning graduates – are defecting from Labour, too.

The Guardian

Contreras has often been an enigma since defecting from Cuba and signing with the Yankees.

The New York Times - Sports

There are indications that three Twin Cities men have returned, possibly after defecting from the Shabaab.

The New York Times

In August, he announced he was defecting from the Conservatives to Ukip.

The Guardian

Mr. Lazio continued to absorb blows on Friday as the number of Republican leaders defecting from his campaign grew.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Remember that "defecting from" implies a shift in loyalty or allegiance, not simply a departure. Use it to convey a sense of betrayal or change in commitment.

Common error

Avoid using "defecting from" when simply describing someone leaving a job or organization without a change in loyalty or allegiance. Using "resigning" or "leaving" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defecting from" functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adjective modifying a noun or pronoun. As evidenced by Ludwig, it describes the act of abandoning allegiance or loyalty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Sports

16%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

2%

Science

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "defecting from" is a prepositional phrase used to describe abandoning loyalty or allegiance. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news and media contexts. It's crucial to use this phrase when emphasizing a shift in loyalty, and not simply a departure. Consider alternatives like "leaving" or "resigning" when a simple departure is meant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Abandoning allegiance to

Emphasizes the act of giving up loyalty or support.

Switching sides from

Indicates a change in affiliation, often to an opposing group.

Deserting from

Implies leaving a military or other obligated service.

Turning one's back on

Emphasizes a rejection of previous beliefs or affiliations.

Renouncing membership in

Focuses on the formal act of leaving an organization.

Leaving the ranks of

Evokes the image of leaving a structured group or organization.

Breaking with

Suggests a more decisive and potentially acrimonious departure.

Splitting from

Implies a separation or division within a group or organization.

Resigning from

Highlights the act of formally stepping down from a position.

Walking away from

Suggests a less formal and potentially abrupt departure.

FAQs

How is "defecting from" used in a sentence?

The phrase "defecting from" is used to indicate the act of abandoning allegiance or loyalty to a group, country, or cause. For example: "The politician is defecting from the party to join the opposition."

What are some synonyms for "defecting from"?

Alternatives to "defecting from" include "abandoning allegiance to", "deserting from", or "renouncing membership in", each carrying slightly different nuances.

Is "defecting from" formal or informal?

"Defecting from" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it often carries a more serious or negative connotation than simpler terms like "leaving" or "resigning".

When is it appropriate to use "defecting from"?

Use "defecting from" when you want to emphasize a change in loyalty or allegiance, often implying a betrayal of former commitments. It's especially suitable when describing political or military situations.