desertion

[dih-zur-shuhn]

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

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• predesertion noun
• self-desertion noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of desertion¹

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

Example Sentences

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.

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His order to dissolve the National Assembly came as parliamentarians were gathering ahead of an expected vote to strip him of the presidency for desertion of duty.

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

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Paxton accused the Democrats of “a cowardly desertion of their responsibilities as elected officials.”

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He is on trial on charges of desertion, and is one of many.

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Related Words

• betrayal