BharatNotes Defection
noun (countable and uncountable)Usage in a UPSC answer
The Tenth Schedule's anti-defection provisions, as interpreted in Kihoto Hollohan, vest the Speaker with adjudicatory authority over disqualification petitions — a design flaw that has repeatedly enabled ruling parties to delay proceedings until defection-driven outcomes become irreversible.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
defect (verb/noun), defector (noun), defective (adjective — related but distinct), defection (noun)
Root
Latin defectio = desertion, revolt; de- = away from, down + facere = to do, make
Etymology
From Latin defectio (a falling away, desertion), the noun of deficere (to fail, to fall short, to desert). Entered English via Old French defection around the 15th century. The political sense of legislative floor-crossing was so widespread in post-independence India that it prompted a constitutional remedy; the intelligence sense of crossing to an adversary was prominent during Cold War superpower rivalry with celebrated defectors like Kim Philby.
Memory Hook
DE-FECTION: de- (away) + facere (to do/make). A defector UN-MAKES their commitment — they undo the deed of loyalty. Think of someone whose loyalty was a made object (factum) that they now unmake by walking away.
Seen in UPSC Question Papers
- Prelims 2022 — Parliament
- Prelims 2014 — Amendment Procedure
- Prelims 2014 — Constitutional Schedules
- Mains 2013 · GS2 · 10 marks — Indian Polity
Real UPSC previous-year questions whose text uses “Defection” — proof this word earns its place on your list.
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