fault

A fault is a mistake or a weakness. (noun)

An example of fault is having a problem telling the truth.

Fault means to blame or to commit a mistake. (verb)

A fault is a weakness in the rock strata that can shift and create an earthquake. (noun)

An example of fault is the San Andreas fault line in California.

See fault in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

Obsolete failure to have or do what is required; lack
something that mars the appearance, character, structure, etc.; defect or failing
something done wrongly; specif.,
1. a misdeed; offense
2. an error; mistake
responsibility for something wrong; blame: it's her fault that they are late
Elec. a defect or point of defect in the wiring or connections of a circuit, which prevents the current from following the intended path
Geol. a fracture or zone of fractures in rock strata together with movement that displaces the sides relative to one another
Hunting a break in the line of the scent
Volleyball, Tennis
1. an improper serve; specif., a serve that hits the net or lands outside the court
2. a ball improperly served

transitive verb

intransitive verb

See fault in American Heritage Dictionary 4

(fôlt)

noun

a. A character weakness, especially a minor one.
b. Something that impairs or detracts from physical perfection; a defect. See Synonyms at blemish.
c. A mistake; an error.
d. A minor offense or misdeed.
Responsibility for a mistake or an offense; culpability. See Synonyms at blame.
Geology A fracture in the continuity of a rock formation caused by a shifting or dislodging of the earth's crust, in which adjacent surfaces are displaced relative to one another and parallel to the plane of fracture. Also called shift.
Electronics A defect in a circuit or wiring caused by imperfect connections, poor insulation, grounding, or shorting.
Sports A bad service, as in tennis.
Obsolete A lack or deficiency.