fault

English

/fɔːlt/, /fɔlt/, /fɑlt/

noun
Definitions
  • A defect; something that detracts from perfection.
  • A mistake or error.
  • A weakness of character; a failing.
  • A minor offense.
  • Blame; the responsibility for a mistake.
  • (seismology) A fracture in a rock formation causing a discontinuity.
  • (mining) In coal seams, coal rendered worthless by impurities in the seam.
  • (tennis) An illegal serve.
  • (electrical) An abnormal connection in a circuit.
  • (obsolete) want; lack
  • (hunting) A lost scent; act of losing the scent.

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English faute, faulte derived from faute derived from Old French faute (fault, misbehaviour) derived from Latin *fallita, falsus (false, deceived, counterfeit, falsehood, mistaken).

Origin

Latin

falsus

Gloss

false, deceived, counterfeit, falsehood, mistaken

Concept
Semantic Field

Emotions and values

Ontological Category

Property

Emoji

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms