defect
gb/dˈifɛkt/ us/dˈifɛkt/
B1
English
~ 3600
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
a flaw or fault in something
A problem or fault in something that makes it not perfect or not work well.
Usage pattern:
a defect in [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'defect' with 'defense' due to similar spelling, but they have very different meanings.
Synonyms
flaw (A general term for an imperfection; slightly more common in everyday speech.)
|
fault (Often used for responsibility or mechanical problems; can also imply blame.)
Antonyms
perfection (The state of having no flaws or defects.)
|
strength (A quality that makes something effective or strong, opposite of a weakness or defect.)
Collocations
design defect
|manufacturing defect
|minor defect
|serious defect
|defect in the system
Themes
quality
|manufacturing
|daily life
|daily_life
|science
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The car was recalled due to a serious brake defect.
- This phone has a small defect in the screen.
- A design defect caused the bridge to collapse.
- The inspector found several defects in the building's wiring.
- Genetic defects can sometimes be treated with medication.
Learner examples
- The shirt has a small defect.
- There is a defect in the machine.
- This phone has a defect in the camera.
- We returned the chair because of a defect.
- The toy has no defects.
Verb
B2
action
2
to abandon allegiance for another side
To leave your country, team, or group to join another that is against it.
Usage pattern:
to defect to [another group/country]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'defect' (verb) with 'defend' due to similar pronunciation, but they are unrelated in meaning.
Synonyms
desert (Often used for leaving the military without permission; slightly more negative tone.)
|
switch sides (Informal phrase for changing allegiance.)
Antonyms
remain loyal (To stay with and support your original group despite pressure to leave.)
|
support (To actively help your original side instead of leaving it.)
Collocations
defect to the enemy
|defect from the army
|defect to another party
Themes
politics
|military
|law
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Several soldiers defected to the rebel forces.
- He defected from his political party after a disagreement.
- The spy defected to another country during the war.
- Some athletes have defected to play for other nations.
- She defected from the company to work for its rival.
Learner examples
- The soldier defected to the enemy.
- He defected to another country.
- She defected from her team.
- The player defected to another club.
- They defected during the war.
Grammar
Dictionary form
defect
IPA
GB/dˈifɛkt/
US/dˈifɛkt/
Syllables & stress
de - fect (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (de)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: defect
- Plural: defects
Verb
- Base: defect
- 3rd Person Singular: defects
- Present Participle: defecting
- Past: defected
Word family
Expressions
defect from duty
1/dˈifɛkt fɹˈʌm dˈuti/
fixed phrase
fail to fulfill one's responsibilities
To leave or avoid work or tasks you are supposed to do.
Examples
- The guard was punished for defecting from duty.
- They accused him of defecting from duty during the crisis.
defect to the enemy
1/dɪfˈɛkt tə ðə ˈɛnəmi/
fixed phrase
switch allegiance to an enemy side
To leave your own side and join the enemy's side during a war or competition.
Examples
- The general was shocked when his aide defected to the enemy.
- Several spies defected to the enemy during the conflict.