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 Words From

• prede·sertion noun
• self-de·sertion 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

Log in, give a reason for your desertion, and enter your password.

From Popular-Science

The dangerous prospects combined with low pay meant that finding crews for the ships was difficult and desertions ahead of launch day were high.

From The Daily Beast

With viral online organizing, the idea of non-desertion agreements could spread quickly.

From The Daily Beast

“I, Pvt. Eddie D. Slovik, 36896415, confess to the desertion of the United States Army…” it began.

From The Daily Beast

A general read aloud the order that Pvt. Eddie Slovik was to be executed for the crime of desertion.

From The Daily Beast

His desertion barely warranted a comment, but he was not hailed as a hero.

From The Daily Beast

“I believe I am the only colonel in the regular army who was ever court-martialed and convicted of desertion,” he laughed.

From The Daily Beast

To cease living together for the time fixed by statute is not desertion unless this was done intentionally.

From Project Gutenberg

Desertion is a general ground of divorce, the law in every state prescribing a period of time, quite often three years.

From Project Gutenberg

But the Emperor could not forgive his desertion, and, thinking he would not benefit by his services, he refused them.

From Project Gutenberg

Have you any plea to urge beyond the natural one of her seemingly unprovoked desertion of you?

From Project Gutenberg

The sense of the desertion by humankind, by God and mercy and rationality swept through me and overwhelmed my inner self.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• betrayal