defect

noun

de·fect | \ˈdē-ˌfekt,

Definition of defect

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : an imperfection that impairs worth or utility : shortcoming the grave defects in our foreign policy A defect prevented the DVD from playing properly.

b chemistry : an imperfection (such as a vacancy or an unlike atom) in a crystal lattice (see lattice sense 2)

2 : a lack of something necessary for completeness, adequacy, or perfection : deficiency a hearing defect

defect

verb

de·fect | \di-ˈfekt

Definition of defect (Entry 2 of 2)

intransitive verb

1 : to forsake one cause, party, or nation for another often because of a change in ideology a former KGB agent who defected to America

2 : to leave one situation (such as a job) often to go over to a rival the reporter defected to another network

Other Words from defect Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about defect

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Examples of defect in a Sentence

Noun

They examine their products for defects. She was born with a heart defect. Vanity and pride were his two worst character defects.

Verb

The Russian scholar defected in 1979. She defected from the conservative party. He defected to the West before the war began. The reporter defected to another TV network.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Even if your problem did not result from a manufacturing defect, the company may want to settle your claim rather than risk your ill will. — Kevin Brasler, Philly.com, "Have a consumer problem? How to complain and get results," 1 July 2018 Osteogenesis imperfecta, which makes for brittle bones due to a genetic defect involving collagen, has prompted several surgeries that involve inserting stainless steel rods inside the canals of bones in Cabacungan’s arms and legs. — Caitlin Mullen, chicagotribune.com, "'He brings a smile to everyone he meets': Basketball court at Shriners Hospital named in honor of Oak Parker," 22 May 2018 The veterinarian diagnosed a congenital liver defect. — Special To Cleveland.com, cleveland.com, "Fate brings brother and sister kittens back together: Send us your pet rescue stories," 10 May 2018 The team had already determined that the man, thought to be around 35 years old, had a physical defect that caused him to limp. — New York Times, "He Died at Pompeii, but His Head Wasn’t Crushed by a Block," 29 June 2018 Doctors would also be allowed to abort if the fetus is determined to have a defect that would lead to its death in the womb or shortly after birth. — Washington Post, "AP Explains: What to look for in Irish abortion referendum," 25 May 2018 The genetic condition can cause nearly 200 mild to severe health and developmental concerns, from heart defects to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, but they are not often diagnosed for years. — Michelle Mullins, Naperville Sun, "Naperville native raising awareness for genetic disorder 22q, which affects his child and thousands of others," 17 May 2018 If the ear has both defects, both surgical corrections have to be done at the same time. — Dr. Carlos Wolf, miamiherald, "Girl's ears stick out. What's the right age for plastic surgery? | Miami Herald," 7 May 2018 The aquarium believes Latte may have had a congenital defect that caused a blockage in her esophagus, preventing blood from flowing from her abdomen to her heart, which in turn meant not enough oxygen was reaching her brain. — Ellen Fishel, baltimoresun.com, "Rescued grey seal named Latte dies at National Aquarium," 2 May 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

To keep customers from defecting—and perhaps woo some from rivals—Hufnagel is considering a loyalty points scheme similar to those offered by airlines. — Bloomberg.com, "Companies Seek Ways to Hold On to Customer Data Under New EU Privacy Law," 27 Mar. 2018 To keep customers from defecting to rivals, some are attaching other travel services to their own in order to differentiate themselves. — The Economist, "European state rail firms face scrappy new competitors," 28 June 2018 The Israeli government declined to comment on the events outlined in the memoir by Mr. Thae, who defected to South Korea in 2016. — Andrew Jeong, WSJ, "North Korean Ex-Diplomat Says Blackmail Is Part of Regime’s Playbook," 8 July 2018 On a conference call with investors and Wall Street analysts late Wednesday, Niccol laid out his plan to win back customers who defected in the last two years in the wake of food safety problems as well as boredom with the brand. — Phil Wahba, Fortune, "Chipotle Is Planning to Close Up to 65 Stores—But It Will Add a Happy Hour Menu," 28 June 2018 According to Ri Myung, a former top North Korean official who has defected to the South and uses an alias, all of North Korea’s latest maneuvers have been conducted by influential Workers Party organ the Organization and Guidance Department (OGD). — Charlie Campbell / Beijing, Time, "All Signs Suggest North Korea's Kim Jong Un Really Wants to Make a Deal," 8 June 2018 Mahathir, Malaysia’s longest-serving premier, who defected to the opposition to take on Najib, will return to power at the age of 92. — Bloomberg.com, "The Surprise Election Result That Marks a Historic Power Shift," 9 May 2018 He was picked in the fourth round, 74th overall, in 1989, and the Wings went to great lengths to help him defect, scurrying him away in 1990 when his CSKA Moscow team was in Portland, Ore., for a match before the Goodwill Games. — Helene St. James, Detroit Free Press, "Should Detroit Red Wings retire Sergei Fedorov's No. 91? It's time.," 12 July 2018 This suggests that the 1 million voters who left the CDU/CSU and moved into the AfD’s camp between the federal elections of 2013 and 2017 largely defected because of Merkel’s ability to get her way on the refugee issue. — Philipp Adorf, Washington Post, "Angela Merkel’s governing alliance is increasingly frayed. Here’s why.," 3 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'defect.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

History and Etymology for defect

Noun

Middle English, borrowed from Latin dēfectus "failure, absence, lack, weakness," from dēficere "to be lacking, run short, weaken, fail" + -tus, suffix of action nouns — more at deficient

Verb

borrowed from Latin dēfectus, past participle of dēficere "to be lacking, fail, become disaffected, go over (to the side of an opponent)" — more at deficient

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