'Defection' definitions:

Definition of 'defection'

From: WordNet
noun
Withdrawing support or help despite allegiance or responsibility; "his abandonment of his wife and children left them penniless" [syn: desertion, abandonment, defection]
noun
The state of having rejected your religious beliefs or your political party or a cause (often in favor of opposing beliefs or causes) [syn: apostasy, renunciation, defection]

Definition of 'Defection'

From: 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]

Synonyms of 'defection'

From: Moby Thesaurus