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Synonyms

desertion

American  
[dih-zur-shuhn] / dɪˈzɜr ʃən /

noun

  1. the act of deserting or the state of being deserted.

  2. Law. willful abandonment, especially of one's spouse without consent, in violation of legal or moral obligations.

  3. an act of leaving military service or duty without the intention of returning.

desertion British  
/ dɪˈzɜːʃən /

noun

  1. the act of deserting or abandoning or the state of being deserted or abandoned

  2. law wilful abandonment, esp of one's spouse or children, without consent and in breach of obligations

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • predesertion noun
  • self-desertion noun

Etymology

Origin of desertion

1585–95; < Late Latin dēsertiōn- (stem of dēsertiō ) < Latin dēsert ( us ) ( desert 1 ) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"Ardern's move is likely to be seen as symbolic of this broader pattern. To some it will read as desertion," Alan Gamlen, director of the Australian National University's migration hub, told the BBC.

From BBC • Mar. 2, 2026

The charges included voluntary surrender, attempting to voluntarily surrender and desertion from a military unit.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 22, 2025

Her father’s desertion dealt a crushing blow to Barbara, who adored him.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 29, 2025

It was a turning point in a youth-led uprising that started on September 25: Rajoelina fled the country that weekend, impeached days later for desertion of duty.

From Barron's • Oct. 16, 2025

“Stop bluffing, Colonel. You can’t court- martial me for desertion in the face of the enemy. It would make you look bad and you probably couldn’t get a conviction.”

From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.