離反

• Reading: りはん
• Romaji: rihan
• Kanji breakdown: 離 (ri/hana) — separate, leave; 反 (han/so) — oppose, turn against, anti-
• Pronunciation: /ɾi.haɴ/

Meaning

Defection; estrangement; alienation. The act of turning away from, abandoning, or becoming estranged from a person, group, or ideology one previously supported.

Often used in political contexts to describe the loss of support from a constituency or the defection of allies: 支持者の離反 (defection of supporters), 同盟国の離反 (alienation of allies). The verb form is 離反する. Stronger than mere disagreement, 離反 implies a break in a previously strong relationship. It is distinguished from 離脱 (withdrawal/secession), which is more procedural, by its emphasis on the emotional and relational rupture.

Examples

1. 相次ぐスキャンダルにより、かつての支持基盤からの離反が止まらなくなった。 Due to a series of scandals, the defection of the party's former support base became unstoppable.
2. 政策転換に反発した議員たちの離反が、党内に深刻な亀裂をもたらした。 The defection of legislators who opposed the policy shift caused a serious rift within the party.
3. 同盟国の離反を招かないよう、外交交渉では慎重な言葉遣いが求められた。 Careful language is required in diplomatic negotiations to avoid provoking the estrangement of allied nations.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, party dynamics, diplomacy, journalism

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Formed from 離 (ri, to separate/leave) and 反 (han, to turn against/oppose). The combination evokes separation combined with opposition — not merely leaving but turning away with a degree of rejection.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern–Contemporary

Generation: Adults

Social background: General