defection

[L. defectio: cf. F. défection. See Defect.]
Act of abandoning a person or cause to which one is bound by allegiance or duty, or to which one has attached himself; desertion; failure in duty; a falling away; apostasy; backsliding. «Defection and falling away from God.» Sir W. Raleigh.

The general defection of the whole realm.

Definition: abandonment
Antonyms: joining