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

Related Words

• betrayal