Defector vs. Traitor — What's the Difference?

An imperfection or lack that causes inadequacy or failure; a shortcoming or deficiency.

One who betrays one's country, a cause, or a trust, especially one who commits treason.

To disown allegiance to one's country and take up residence in another

Someone who violates an allegiance and betrays their country; someone guilty of treason; one who, in breach of trust, delivers their country to an enemy, or yields up any fort or place entrusted to their defense, or surrenders an army or body of troops to the enemy, unless when vanquished.

To abandon a position or association, often to join an opposing group

Someone who takes arms and levies war against their country; or one who aids an enemy in conquering their country.

One who defects.

(by extension) One who betrays any confidence or trust.

A person who abandons their duty (as on a military post)

To act the traitor toward; to betray; to deceive.

Traitorous.

One who violates his allegiance and betrays his country; one guilty of treason; one who, in breach of trust, delivers his country to an enemy, or yields up any fort or place intrusted to his defense, or surrenders an army or body of troops to the enemy, unless when vanquished; also, one who takes arms and levies war against his country; or one who aids an enemy in conquering his country. See Treason.

Hence, one who betrays any confidence or trust; a betrayer.

Traitorous.

To act the traitor toward; to betray; to deceive.

Someone who betrays his country by committing treason

A person who says one thing and does another