The word "defect" has two main meanings depending on context:
- As a noun, a defect refers to a fault, flaw, or imperfection in someone or something that makes it less perfect or causes it to not work correctly. For example, a physical defect like a heart defect or a manufacturing defect in a product. It indicates a weakness or shortcoming.
- As a verb, defect means to leave a country, political party, organization, or group, especially to join an opposing or rival one. It often implies a change of allegiance for ideological or political reasons. For example, someone defecting from one political party to another or from one country to its competitor or enemy.
In summary, "to defect" as a verb means to abandon one side or group and join another, often an adversary. As a noun, a "defect" is a flaw or imperfection that compromises integrity or function.
