defector
Translation
deserter, turncoat, renegade
Examples
He was a defector from the secret service.
He was a defector from the secret service.
The defector was granted political asylum.
The defector was granted political asylum.
Grammar Patterns
a defector ((from sth.)) someone who leaves a country, party, etc. He was a defector from the secret service.
Similar Words
Synonyms: deserter, turncoat, renegade; Antonyms: loyalist, patriot
Etymology
From the verb 'to defect', from Latin 'deficere' (to fail, desert). The '-or' suffix denotes a person who does the action.
Memory Tips
A 'defector' is a person who 'defects' or leaves a country, party, or cause.