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defect
As a noun, this word carries a clinical or technical weight. It suggests a failure in manufacturing or a biological flaw, implying that the object is broken or substandard compared to a perfect blueprint. It is common in quality control and medical diagnostics.
As a verb, the word evokes a sense of betrayal or a high-stakes political shift. It is rarely used for simple job changes; instead, it implies a dramatic crossing of lines, often involving ideological conflict or the seeking of asylum in a hostile territory.
Countable when referring to a specific flaw in a product or person (a defect). Uncountable when discussing the general state of being flawed or lacking.
Meanings
A shortcoming, imperfection, or lack of something necessary for completeness or perfection.
The engineer discovered a structural defect in the bridge.
Examples
The manufacturer recalled the cars due to a safety defect.
The spy decided to defect to the West during the Cold War.
Phrasal Verbs
defect to
to leave one's own country or group to join an opposing one
The diplomat decided to defect to the Soviet Union during the Cold War.