Advertisement

Advertisement

View synonyms for desertion

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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


Discover More

Other Words From

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of desertion1

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

Example Sentences

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Advertisement

Related Words

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


desert iguanadesert island