View synonyms for defect

defect

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

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a shortcoming, fault, or imperfection: a defect in a machine.
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 action.
a defect of common sense
a defect of action.
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)

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

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

verb

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

Discover More

Derived Forms

deˈfector, noun

Discover More

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)

Discover More

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

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of defect¹

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

Discover More

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.).

Discover More

Example Sentences

Five former Scottish Conservative councillors have already defected to Reform - one in Glasgow, two in Aberdeenshire and two in North Ayrshire.

From BBC

This is the latest in a series of significant building defects across the Belfast Health Trust.

From BBC

Hosted by George Taylor, 32, who was born with an upper limb defect linked to the case, the podcast features testimony and interviews with those directly impacted.

From BBC

A 1999 Northamptonshire Health Authority study found no unusual cluster of birth defects.

From BBC

"Voters may not be retroactively disenfranchised based upon technical defects in their voter registration," the brief states.

From Salon

Related Words

defecation defected

Browse