defect
[noun dee-fekt, dih-fekt; verb dih-fekt]
- a shortcoming, fault, or imperfection: a defect in an argument; a defect in a machine.
- lack or want, especially of something essential to perfection or completeness; deficiency: a defect in hearing.
- Also called crystal defect, lattice defect. Crystallography. a discontinuity in the lattice of a crystal caused by missing or extra atoms or ions, or by dislocations.
- to desert a cause, country, etc., especially in order to adopt another (often followed by from or to): He defected from the U.S.S.R to the West.
Origin of defect
1375–1425; late Middle English < Latin dēfectus failure, weakness, equivalent to dēfec- variant stem of dēficere to run short, fail, weaken (see deficient) + -tus suffix of v. action
Synonym study
1. Defect, blemish, flaw refer to faults that detract from perfection. Defect is the general word for any kind of shortcoming or imperfection, whether literal or figurative: a defect in eyesight, in a plan. A blemish is usually a defect on a surface, which mars the appearance: a blemish on her cheek. Flaw is applied to a defect in quality, caused by imperfect structure (as in a diamond) or brought about during manufacture (as in texture of cloth, in clearness of glass, etc.).
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for defecting
Contemporary Examples
That same poll showed one in four registered Republicans defecting to Davis.
The Syrian Army corporal had entertained thoughts of defecting for a long time.
A black Southern Democrat defecting to the GOP is pretty big news.
Soldiers who contact the group about defecting are told to bring their army-issued weapons with them.
Boomers who voted for Obama in 2008 are also defecting and moving into the Republican column, according to Pew Research.
Historical Examples
Large numbers of the survivors were defecting to the banner of El Hassan.
Border, Breed Nor BirthDallas McCord Reynolds
In a case of an American defecting to a Communist country, shouldn't you have it?
Warren Commission (5 of 26): Hearings Vol. V (of 15)The President's Commission on the Assassination of President Kennedy
Yes; what did he say about defecting to Russia; anything he said about that?
Warren Commission (8 of 26): Hearings Vol. VIII (of 15)The President's Commission on the Assassination of President Kennedy
This letter says to his mother he is defecting to Russia—right?
Warren Commission (1 of 26): Hearings Vol. I (of 15)The President's Commission on the Assassination of President Kennedy
defect
- a lack of something necessary for completeness or perfection; shortcoming; deficiency
- an imperfection, failing, or blemish
- crystallog a local deviation from regularity in the crystal lattice of a solidSee also point defect, dislocation (def. 3)
- (intr) to desert one's country, cause, allegiance, etc, esp in order to join the opposing forces
Word Origin
C15: from Latin dēfectus, from dēficere to forsake, fail; see deficient
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Word Origin and History for defecting
defect
v.
1570s, from Latin defectus, past participle of deficere "to fail, desert" (see defect (n.)). Related: Defected; defecting.
defect
n.
early 15c., from Middle French defect and directly from Latin defectus "failure, revolt, falling away," noun use of past participle of deficere "to fail, desert" (see deficient).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
defect
(dē′fĕkt′, dĭ-fĕkt′)
- A lack of or abnormality in something necessary for normal functioning; a deficiency or imperfection.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
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