Definitions

1. noun

a flaw or weakness in something, especially a machine or a system

“The inspection revealed a defect in the engine that caused the car to break down.”

2. verb

to fail to meet a standard or to fall short of something

“The new policy will defect from the previous one to reduce costs.”

3. verb

to abandon or withdraw support for something, especially a cause or a party

“The senator decided to defect from her own party due to disagreements with her colleagues.”