1. past tense of defect; abandoned one’s country, political party, or cause in favor of an opposing one

Examples

• The spy defected to the enemy country during the Cold War.
• Several party members defected after the scandal broke.
• The athlete defected from his home country to compete elsewhere.
• She defected from the rebel group and joined the government forces.
• Many citizens defected when the regime became too oppressive.
• The diplomat defected and sought asylum in the embassy.