Definition of "defect" []

• The lack of something necessary or desirable for completion or perfection; a deficiency: a visual defect. (noun)
• An imperfection that causes inadequacy or failure; a shortcoming. See Synonyms at blemish. (noun)
• To disown allegiance to one's country and take up residence in another: a Soviet citizen who defected to Israel. (verb-intransitive)
• To abandon a position or association, often to join an opposing group: defected from the party over the issue of free trade. (verb-intransitive)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Skimping here could end up costing plenty if you discover a title defect after you own the property."
• "Democrats will need at least two Republicans -- possibly more -- to defect from a hard-line anti-deficit spending stance in order to break a filibuster."
• "This last defect is all the more glaring since the 'war on terror' in its varied aspects is supposedly global."