desertion
Americannoun
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the act of deserting or abandoning or the state of being deserted or abandoned
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law wilful abandonment, esp of one's spouse or children, without consent and in breach of obligations
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of desertion
1585–95; < Late Latin dēsertiōn- (stem of dēsertiō ) < Latin dēsert ( us ) ( see desert 1) + -iōn- -ion
Vocabulary lists containing desertion
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.
But it has been rocked by several scandals, including hundreds of reports of desertion.
From Barron's ● Jul. 13, 2026
"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
Such a charming boy, the last, but I did not excuse his desertion.
From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin
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.
