defect

[ noun dee-fekt, dih-fekt; verb dih-fekt ]

See synonyms for: defect defected defecting defects on Thesaurus.com

noun

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 of common sense;a defect of action.

Also called crys·tal de·fect, lattice defect. Crystallography. a discontinuity in the lattice of a crystal caused by missing or extra atoms or ions, or by dislocations.

verb (used without object)

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

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Latin dēfectus “failure, weakness,” equivalent to dēfec-, variant stem of dēficere “to run short, fail, weaken” (see deficient) + -tus suffix of verb action

synonym study For defect

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.).

Other words from defect

de·fect·i·ble, adjective
de·fect·i·bil·i·ty [dih-fek-tuh-bil-i-tee], /dɪˌfɛk təˈbɪl ɪ ti/, noun
de·fect·less, adjective
non·de·fect·ing, adjective
pre·de·fect, noun
re·de·fect, verb (used without object)

Words Nearby defect

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use defect in a sentence

It then spent another five working out the right composition and manufacturing process to prevent defects and dendrites.
Novel lithium-metal batteries will drive the switch to electric cars | Katie McLean | February 24, 2021 | MIT Technology Review
Under the law, defects or recalls that affect vehicle emissions equipment have to be reported to the Environmental Protection Agency.
Toyota fined $180 million for 10 years of noncompliance with EPA regs | Jonathan M. Gitlin | January 15, 2021 | Ars Technica
Toyota settled a lengthy Justice Department civil probe into its delayed filing of emissions-related defect reports for $180 million, the government said Thursday.
U.S. regulator finalizes rule banning banks from refusing loans to some business sectors | | January 14, 2021 | Washington Post
On new windows, manufacturers offer warranties against cloudiness and other defects that stretch for many years, so it might be worth digging out the paperwork for your windows, if you still have it.
Cloudy double-pane windows are to be expected with time | Jeanne Huber | January 11, 2021 | Washington Post
She has made a name for herself internationally with her work on reproductive defects.
Politics Report: Shirley Weber’s Shoes to Fill | Scott Lewis | December 26, 2020 | Voice of San Diego

These big paydays have incentivized a record number of Cuban players to defect.
Is Major League Baseball Ready For Cuba’s Players? | Ben Jacobs | December 19, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Preliminary results performed by Italian authorities “have not detected any manufacturing defect,” she added.
Did This Flu Vaccine Kill 13? | Barbie Latza Nadeau | December 2, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
I think we are empowering refugees and there will be many more people like me who defect.
How ‘Titanic ’Helped This Brave Young Woman Escape North Korea’s Totalitarian State | Lizzie Crocker | October 31, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
After clashing with coach Victor Tikhonov, a KGB-installed tyrant, he chose to challenge the government and defect to the NHL.
Putin’s Hockey Pal Tells All: Slava Fetisov on ‘Red Army,’ Soviet Nostalgia, and What Drives Putin | Marlow Stern | October 9, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
When Michele Bachmann claimed in 2011 that a supporter had been bribed to defect to Ron Paul, observers rolled their eyes.
The Time Michele Bachmann Was Right | Ben Jacobs | August 31, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
In spite of this acknowledged defect, many of the best players in this country regard it as a legitimate and helpful device.
The Recent Revolution in Organ Building | George Laing Miller
I supply Ne lak (defect) in hem, to make some sense; the F. text does not help here.
Chaucer's Works, Volume 1 (of 7) -- Romaunt of the Rose; Minor Poems | Geoffrey Chaucer
A note that is payable on a contingency is not negotiable, and the happening of the event does not cure the defect.
Putnam's Handy Law Book for the Layman | Albert Sidney Bolles
Even then, if the buyer has examined the goods and has discovered a defect, there is no warranty.
Putnam's Handy Law Book for the Layman | Albert Sidney Bolles
This reading means—'I knew in her no other defect'; which, as no defect has been mentioned, seems inconsistent.
Chaucer's Works, Volume 1 (of 7) -- Romaunt of the Rose; Minor Poems | Geoffrey Chaucer

British Dictionary definitions for defect

defect

noun(dɪˈfɛkt, ˈdiːfɛkt)

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 solid: See also point defect, dislocation (def. 3)

verb(dɪˈfɛkt)

(intr) to desert one's country, cause, allegiance, etc, esp in order to join the opposing forces

Origin of defect

C15: from Latin dēfectus, from dēficere to forsake, fail; see deficient

Derived forms of defect

defector, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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