"Defunction" means the act of dying. The word is not commonly used in English, and it is from the Latin defunctus, which means "off-duty" or "to discharge or finish. The word is commonly deemed a non-standard word because of how uncommon it is.

"Defunction" is not to be confused with the more commonly-used "dysfunction," which means a deviation from the norm. "Dysfunction" also can refer to an abnormal or impaired bodily organ or system. When someone uses the rare "defunction," they might actually mean "dysfunction," but it is a good idea to check the context and ask the original speaker or writer if available.

Other words with similar spelling include "deflection," "deduction," "detection," and "function."

Example sentences

The following are example sentences of both "defunction" and words with similar spelling so you can see how similar words are used in context.

  1. The defunction of the political party did not sadden anyone as party had already lost all its supporters
  2. The defunct factory was deserted and surrounded by tall weeds.
  3. The team struggled due to dysfunction among its members, leading to poor performance.
  4. The bulletproof vest provided some protection against deflection from gunfire.
  5. The early detection of cancer can significantly improve treatment outcomes.
  6. The tax accountant advised the client on eligible deductions to minimize their tax liabilities.
  7. The heart's primary function is to pump blood throughout the body.
  8. The defunct website is no longer accessible.
  9. The defunction of the currency made the antique bills skyrocket in price.
  10. The defunct word is considered obsolete and even grammatically incorrect.

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Reference:

Definition of DEFUNCTION
death, decease… See the full definition
defunct | Etymology, origin and meaning of defunct by etymonline
DEFUNCT Meaning: “dead, deceased, extinct,” 1590s, from Old French defunct (14c., Modern French defunt) or directly from… See origin and meaning of defunct.