/
fɔːlt,
fɒlt/
n.
- an unattractive or unsatisfactory feature; a defect or mistake.
▸(in tennis and similar games) a service of the ball not in accordance with the rules.
- responsibility for an accident or misfortune.
- Geology an extended break in a rock formation, marked by the relative displacement and discontinuity of strata.
v.
- criticize for inadequacy or mistakes.
▸archaic do wrong.
-
(be faulted)
Geology be broken by a fault or faults.
Phrase
Derivative
- faultless adj.
- faultlessly adv.
- faultlessness n.
Etymology
ME faut(e) ‘lack, failing’, from OFr., based on L. fallere ‘deceive’; -l- added to conform with L.