verb

defect

To abandon one side or country for another.

The diplomat defects to the opposing country.

Etymology

Latin deficere could mean to fail or desert. The political or military verb applies that withdrawal to abandoning one’s former allegiance and going over to another side.

More examples

Several soldiers defected during the conflict.
Members are defecting to a rival party.
She had defected from the ruling coalition.

Forms

defect · defects · defected · defecting

Similar words

desert: Emphasizes abandoning a duty or post.
betray: Emphasizes disloyal harm without necessarily changing sides.