defezione

defection

noun deh-feh-TSYOH-neh Rare

Origin: From Latin defectio (failure, desertion), from deficere (to desert, to fail).

Also means

desertion, withdrawal

Usage Note

Defezione refers to desertion or defection — abandoning a cause, party, or group. Fare defezione ('to defect/desert') is the common verbal phrase. It is used in political contexts (la defezione di parlamentari — 'the defection of MPs') and in sport or other group settings to mean withdrawal. The plural deferzioni is regular.

Examples

"La defezione di alcuni deputati ha sorpreso tutti."

Natural Translation

The defection of some MPs surprised everyone.

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