defect Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun an imperfection in a bodily system
- visual defects
- this device permits detection of defects in the lungs
noun a failing or deficiency
shortcoming.
- that interpretation is an unfortunate defect of our lack of information
noun an imperfection in an object or machine
fault; flaw.
- a flaw caused the crystal to shatter
- if there are any defects you should send it back to the manufacturer
noun a mark or flaw that spoils the appearance of something (especially on a person's body)
blemish; mar.
- a facial blemish
verb desert (a cause, a country or an army), often in order to join the opposing cause, country, or army
desert.
- If soldiers deserted Hitler's army, they were shot

L. defectus, fr. deficere, defectum, to desert, fail, be wanting; de- + facere to make, do. See Fact, Feat, and cf. Deficit.

Want or absence of something necessary for completeness or perfection; deficiency; -- opposed to superfluity.
Errors have been corrected, and defects supplied. Davies.
Failing; fault; imperfection, whether physical or moral; blemish; as, a defect in the ear or eye; a defect in timber or iron; a defect of memory or judgment.
Trust not yourself; but, your defects to know, Make use of every friend -- any every foe. Pope.

Among boys little tenderness is shown to personal defects. Macaulay.
Syn. -- Deficiency; imperfection; blemish. See Fault.

To fail; to become deficient. Obs. "Defected honor." Warner. 2. Abandon one country or faction, and join another.

To injure; to damage. "None can my life defect." R. Troubles of Q. Elizabeth (1639).