defector

/dɪˈfektə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /dɪˈfektər/ (ame, ipa) · /də̇ˈfektə(r) dēˈ-, ˈdēˌf-/ (ame, mw)

defector — noun

  • defectorsingular
  • defectorsplural

1. a person who leaves the group, country, or organization they used to belong to,

1.名詞B2
釋義

a person who leaves the group, country, or organization they used to belong to, and chooses to join or work for the one that is against it

例句

A former North Korean diplomat spoke at the UN about his experience as a defector.

noun + from [country]: defector from North Korea

Kim Min-su became a defector when he refused to return home after a business trip to Europe.

became a defector; verb + defector

同義詞
  • traitor

    strongly negative; implies betrayal of trust and loyalty. Defector can be neutral or even positive depending on the speaker's view.

  • turncoat

    informal and disapproving; suggests changing sides for personal advantage.

  • renegade

    focuses on rejecting the former group's authority; does not always imply joining the opposite side.

  • deserter

    specific to military; leaving without permission. Does not require joining the enemy.

反義詞
  • loyalist

    a person who remains faithful to their country, party, or group.

  • patriot

    a person who strongly supports and defends their country.

用法筆記

Common in political and military news reports. Often paired with from (defector from North Korea, defector from the regime) or to (defector to the West). Also used in sports for athletes who switch national teams.

常見錯誤

❌He is a defector from his old company.
✅He is a former employee who left his old company.
💡defector implies switching to an opposing side in a conflict, not just leaving a job.
❌The soldier was a defector who left the army.
✅The soldier was a defector who joined the rebel forces after leaving the army.
💡defecting means joining the opposing side, not merely abandoning one's post.