defector
4 synonyms for defector, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A person who abandons their country, party, or cause to join an opposing side.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Etymology
Borrowed from Latin dēfector, built on the same root as "defect" and "defection."
Full origin of defector →Frequently asked questions
What does “defector” mean?
The word “defector” means a person who abandons their country, party, or cause to join an opposing side.
How do you pronounce “defector”?
“Defector” is pronounced dih-FEHK-tuh (/dɪˈfɛktə(ɹ)/ in IPA).
How do you use “defector” in a sentence?
Here is “defector” used in a sentence: “The defector provided intelligence agencies with valuable information.”
What part of speech is “defector”?
“Defector” is a noun.
Where does the word “defector” come from?
The word “defector” comes from Latin. Borrowed from Latin dēfector, built on the same root as "defect" and "defection.".
