The noun is pronounced /di:fekt/. The verb is pronounced /dɪfekt/.
( defected)
1.
A defect is a fault or imperfection in a person or thing.
He was born with a hearing defect.
...a defect in the aircraft caused the crash...
= imperfection
N-COUNT : usu with supp
2.
If you defect , you leave your country, political party, or other group, and join an opposing country, party, or group.
He tried to defect to the West last year...
...a KGB officer who defected in 1963.
VERB : V to/from n , V
• de‧fec‧tion
(defections)
...the defection of at least sixteen Parliamentary deputies.
N-VAR