—n. also 1 lack of something essential or required; imperfection.
2 a shortcoming or failing.
3 a blemish.
4 the amount by which a thing falls short.
—v.intr. abandon one's country or cause in favour of another.
Derivatives:
defector n.
Etymology: L defectus f. deficere desert, fail (as DE-, facere do)
Useful english dictionary. 2012.