26984 words

defects

10 definitions • 24 examples
1
a fault or problem in something or someone that spoils that thing or person or causes it, him, or her not to work correctly:

Examples:

defect in All the company's aircraft have been grounded, after a defect in the engine cooling system was discovered.
There are so many defects in our education system.
character defect It's a character defect in her that she can't ever admit she's wrong.
2
a physical condition in which something is wrong with a part of someone's body:

Examples:

She suffers from a heart defect.
defect in Stem cells could be used to repair bone fractures or defects in a skull.
genetic defect Cystic fibrosis is caused by a genetic defect.
3
to leave a country, political party, etc., especially in order to join an opposing one:

Examples:

When the national hockey team visited the US, half the players defected.
defect to The British spy, Kim Philby, defected to the Soviet Union in 1963.
defect from The British spy, Kim Philby, defected from Britain in 1963.
4
to leave a company, stop buying from a business, etc., especially in order to start working for or buying from one of their competitors:

Examples:

The company is paying out millions in incentive bonuses to stop its best people from defecting.
defect from She defected from the software company to take up a post at their main rival.
defect to A lot of traditional department stores' customers are defecting to discount stores.
5
something that is lacking or that is not exactly right in someone or something:

Examples:

The cars have a defect in the electrical system that may cause them to stall.
6
to leave a country or a group you belong to, esp. in order to join an opposing one:

Examples:

Some of the mayor’s long-time supporters have defected to other candidates.
7
a fault that spoils something or causes it not to work correctly:
8
to leave one company or organization and form or join another:

Examples:

defect from/to sth Many of our sales team have defected to the competition.
9
to stop buying a particular product or service and buy a different one instead:
10
to leave your country or group and join another because you disagree with the ideas of those in control:

Examples:

He's a pilot who defected to the United States.

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