defection from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "defection from" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of abandoning or leaving a group, organization, or allegiance, often in a political or ideological context. Example: "His defection from the party surprised many, as he had been a loyal member for years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That morning, Konkolski announced his defection from Czechoslovakia.

The New York Times - Sports

It is the second major defection from Mr. Maliki's cabinet.

The New York Times

But he offered a third alternative to prevent a mass defection from the Labour party.

Independent

Thanks to Jim Jeffords's defection from the Republicans, they already sort-of control the Senate.

The Economist

His departure is the latest high-profile defection from the Bush administration.

The Economist

As is normal journalistic protocol, I sought opinion on the mass defection from the party leader.

The Guardian

"Arrangements for the defection from the current Assad regime started a while ago," he said.

The New York Times

His defection from the crowded ready-to-wear lineup, though, may start something.

The New York Times

The 47th (@THE_47th) Exclusive: The Syrian Coalition have just secured a major military defection from Syria.

The Guardian

There are unconfirmed reports of a high-level defection from the Assad regime.

The Guardian

Mr. Dissanayake's recent defection from Mrs. Kumaratunga's coalition helped reduce it to a minority in Parliament.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "defection from" when you want to emphasize the act of abandoning a group, organization, or cause, especially in political or ideological contexts. It often implies a shift in loyalty or belief.

Common error

Avoid using "defection from" in neutral contexts where a simple "departure from" would suffice. "Defection" carries a stronger implication of betrayal or disloyalty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defection from" functions primarily as a noun phrase acting as the subject or object of a sentence, often followed by a noun specifying the entity being left. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

19%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "defection from" is a common phrase used to describe the act of abandoning a group, cause, or ideology, often with implications of disloyalty or disagreement. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and suitable for use in English writing. While it appears most frequently in News & Media, it also sees use in Science and Encyclopedias. When writing, be mindful of its connotation of betrayal and consider alternatives like "departure from" or "resignation from" if a more neutral tone is desired. Knowing when and how to use "defection from" can add precision and impact to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

abandonment of

Focuses on the act of leaving something behind, emphasizing the thing left.

departure from

A general term for leaving, less specific about the reason.

withdrawal from

Emphasizes the act of pulling back or removing oneself.

break with

Highlights a clear and often dramatic severing of ties.

resignation from

Implies a formal departure, typically from a position or role.

split from

Suggests a division or separation within a group.

desertion of

Implies leaving a duty or responsibility, often in a negative context.

secession from

Suggests a more formal and often political separation.

seceding from

Highlights the action of formally withdrawing membership or allegiance.

apostasy from

Specifically refers to the abandonment of a religious belief.

FAQs

How can I use "defection from" in a sentence?

You can use "defection from" to describe someone leaving a group or organization, particularly when it involves a change in loyalty. For example: "His defection from the party surprised many."

What's a good alternative to "defection from"?

Depending on the context, you could use "departure from", "resignation from", or "withdrawal from".

Is "defection from" formal or informal?

"Defection from" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, though it leans towards a more serious or analytical tone, commonly found in news and academic contexts.

What does "defection from" imply?

"Defection from" implies a deliberate abandonment of a previous allegiance or association, often suggesting a shift in loyalty or disagreement with the group's principles.