Dictionary
1fault
noun \ˈfȯlt, in poetry also ˈfȯt\
: a bad quality or part of someone's character : a weakness in character
: a problem or bad part that prevents something from being perfect : a flaw or defect
: responsibility for a problem, mistake, bad situation, etc.
Full Definition of FAULT
1
obsolete : lack
2
3
a : misdemeanor b : mistake
4
: responsibility for wrongdoing or failure <the accident was the driver's fault>
5
: a fracture in the crust of a planet (as the earth) or moon accompanied by a displacement of one side of the fracture with respect to the other usually in a direction parallel to the fracture
— at fault
1
: unable to find the scent and continue chase
2
: open to blame : responsible <you were really at fault>
— to a fault
: to an excessive degree <precise to a fault>
See fault defined for English-language learners
See fault defined for kids
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Origin of FAULT
Middle English faute, falte, from Anglo-French, from Vulgar Latin *fallita, from feminine of fallitus, past participle of Latin fallere to deceive, disappoint
First Known Use: 13th century
Related to FAULT
Synonym Discussion of FAULT
fault, failing, frailty, foible, vice mean an imperfection or weakness of character. fault implies a failure, not necessarily culpable, to reach some standard of perfection in disposition, action, or habit <a writer of many virtues and few faults>. failing suggests a minor shortcoming in character <being late is a failing of mine>. frailty implies a general or chronic proneness to yield to temptation <human frailties>. foible applies to a harmless or endearing weakness or idiosyncrasy <an eccentric's charming foibles>. vice can be a general term for any imperfection or weakness, but it often suggests violation of a moral code or the giving of offense to the moral sensibilities of others <compulsive gambling was his vice>.
2fault
verb
: to criticize (something)
: to blame or criticize (someone)
Full Definition of FAULT
intransitive verb
1
: to commit a fault : err
2
: to fracture so as to produce a geologic fault
transitive verb
1
: to find a fault in <easy to praise this book and to fault it — H. G. Roepke>
2
: to produce a geologic fault in
See fault defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of FAULT
15th century
FAULT Defined for Kids
fault
noun \ˈfȯlt\
Definition of FAULT for Kids
1
: a weakness in character : failing <Forgetfulness is my worst fault.>
2
: responsibility for something wrong <Why should he take the blame when it wasn't his fault?>
3
: flaw, imperfection <She bought the jacket even though it had a fault.>
4
: a crack in the earth's crust along which movement occurs
— at fault
: responsible for something wrong
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