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.

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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

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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

One of his first initiatives is an audit of battlefield losses -- ranking commanders based on casualty levels, in an attempt to address high levels of desertion among rank-and-file troops and the unpopularity of mobilisation.

From Barron's • Mar. 12, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 22, 2025

This clueless performance will lead to a completely empty Rose Bowl and eventual desertion of NIL sponsors.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 13, 2025

The Franklin Institute acquired the plane in 1933, when Bergdoll was living as a fugitive in Germany, to which he had fled after his conviction for desertion.

From New York Times • Nov. 29, 2024

Mrs. Gardiner then rallied her niece on Wickham’s desertion, and complimented her on bearing it so well.

From "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen

Related Words

• betrayal