də̇ˈfekshən, dēˈ- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Latin defection-, defectio, from defectus (past participle of deficere to desert, fail, be wanting) + -ion-, -io -ion — more at defect
1. : failing , failure , loss
fell into a defection of spirit
2. obsolete : imperfection , defect
3. : the act of abandoning a person, cause, or doctrine to whom or to which one is bound by some tie (as of allegiance or duty) : desertion , apostasy