defector

/di'fektə/
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Thân thiện
Definition

Noun: 1. A person who abandons their duty, allegiance, or principles, especially to join an opposing side: This is the core meaning, referring to someone who knowingly and intentionally leaves a group, organization, or country to which they owe loyalty, typically to go to a rival or enemy. 2. Specifically, a person who leaves a military post without permission to join the enemy: This is a common and specific application of the term, often used in military and political contexts.

Usage and Examples

  • General/Political Context:

    • The high-ranking diplomat became a defector, seeking asylum and providing secrets to a foreign government.
    • The regime denounced the scientist as a defector after he fled to work for an international research institute.

  • Military Context:

    • The soldier was labeled a defector after he crossed the border and surrendered to the opposing force.

  • Organizational Context:

    • He was seen as a defector by his former colleagues when he left the company to work for its main competitor.
Advanced Usage and Nuance
  • The term defector carries a strong negative connotation from the perspective of the group being left. It implies betrayal and disloyalty.
  • From the perspective of the new group or a neutral observer, such a person might be described with more neutral terms like "dissident," "asylum seeker," or simply "someone who changed sides."
  • The act of becoming a defector is defection.
Variants and Related Words
  • Defect (verb): To desert a cause, country, or organization, especially to join an opposing one.
    • He decided to defect from the army.
  • Defection (noun): The act of defecting.
    • His defection was a major blow to the intelligence agency.
Synonyms
  • Deserter: (Specifically for military or duty) One who abandons their post without permission and with no intent to return.
  • Turncoat: A person who deserts one party or cause to join an opposing one.
  • Traitor: A person who betrays a trust, allegiance, or principle (broader and often stronger than ).
  • Apostate: A person who renounces a religious or political belief or principle.
Antonyms
  • Loyalist: A person who remains loyal to the established ruler or government.
  • Patriot: A person who vigorously supports their country.
  • Devotee: A person who is very loyal to and enthusiastic about a person, group, or cause.
Common Collocations and Phrases
  • Political defector: A defector from a government or political party.
  • Military defector: A defector from the armed forces.
  • High-profile defector: A defector who is well-known or important.
  • To become a defector: The process of defecting.
  • To label someone a defector: To accuse or classify someone as a defector.
Noun
  1. a person who abandons their duty (as on a military post)

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