defect

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

noun

1. a shortcoming, fault, or imperfection: a defect in a machine.

   a defect in an argument;

   a defect in a machine.

2. lack or want, especially of something essential to perfection or completeness; deficiency: a defect of action.

   a defect of common sense

   a defect of action.

3. Also called crystal 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)

1. 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.

defect

noun

1. a lack of something necessary for completeness or perfection; shortcoming; deficiency
2. an imperfection, failing, or blemish
3. See dislocation, point defect
   crystallog a local deviation from regularity in the crystal lattice of a solid See also point defect dislocation

verb

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

Derived Forms

• deˈfector, noun

Other Words From

• de·fect·i·ble adjective
• de·fect·i·bil·i·ty [dih-fek-t, uh, -, bil, -i-tee], noun
• de·fect·less adjective
• non·de·fect·ing adjective
• pre·de·fect noun
• re·de·fect verb (used without object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of defect¹

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” ( deficient ) + -tus suffix of verb action

Word History and Origins

Origin of defect¹

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

Synonym Study

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.).

Example Sentences

It then spent another five working out the right composition and manufacturing process to prevent defects and dendrites.

From MIT Technology Review

Under the law, defects or recalls that affect vehicle emissions equipment have to be reported to the Environmental Protection Agency.

From 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.

From 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.

From Washington Post

She has made a name for herself internationally with her work on reproductive defects.

From Voice of San Diego

These big paydays have incentivized a record number of Cuban players to defect.

From The Daily Beast

Preliminary results performed by Italian authorities “have not detected any manufacturing defect,” she added.

From The Daily Beast

I think we are empowering refugees and there will be many more people like me who defect.

From The Daily Beast

After clashing with coach Victor Tikhonov, a KGB-installed tyrant, he chose to challenge the government and defect to the NHL.

From The Daily Beast

When Michele Bachmann claimed in 2011 that a supporter had been bribed to defect to Ron Paul, observers rolled their eyes.

From 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.

From Project Gutenberg

I supply Ne lak (defect) in hem, to make some sense; the F. text does not help here.

From Project Gutenberg

A note that is payable on a contingency is not negotiable, and the happening of the event does not cure the defect.

From Project Gutenberg

Even then, if the buyer has examined the goods and has discovered a defect, there is no warranty.

From Project Gutenberg

This reading means—'I knew in her no other defect'; which, as no defect has been mentioned, seems inconsistent.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• abandon
• abscond
• depart
• desert
• pull out
• quit
• reject
• renounce
• revolt
• withdraw