A turncoat is a person who shifts allegiance from one loyalty or ideal to another, betraying or deserting an original cause by switching to the opposing side or party. In political and social history, this is distinct from being a traitor, as the switch mostly takes place under the following circumstances:

• In groups, often driven by one or more leaders.
• When the former cause driving and benefitting the person becomes inviable or too fraught with danger.

Even in a modern historical context "turncoat" is often synonymous with the term "renegade

Renegade

- Games :*Command & Conquer: Renegade, a 2002 first-person shooter video game*Renegade , a 1986 video game*Renegade Legion, a 1990 board game series including the video game Renegade: the Battle for Jacob's Star...

", a term of religious origins having its origins in the Latin word "renegare" (to deny).