VocabDictionary

desertion

/dɪˈzɜːrʃən/advanced Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

The action of illegally leaving a military service, post, or duty.

Example Sentences:
  • The soldier was court-martialed and imprisoned for desertion.
  • Fear of combat led to a rise in desertion rates during the harsh winter campaign.
2.noun

The act of leaving a place, person, or organization permanently and without permission or intention to return.

Example Sentences:
  • She never fully recovered emotionally from her father's sudden desertion.
  • The mass desertion of party members weakened their political standing.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “desertion”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Late Middle English: from Old French desercion, from late Latin desertio(n-), from desertare 'to abandon', frequentative of deserere 'forsake'.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of a 'desert'—a barren, empty place where you are left behind or abandoned.

Frequently Asked Questions About “desertion

1. What is the meaning of “desertion” in English?

In English, desertion (noun) is defined as: “The action of illegally leaving a military service, post, or duty.”.

2. How do you use “desertion” in a sentence?

The soldier was court-martialed and imprisoned for desertion.

3. What are English synonyms of “desertion”?

Common synonyms include:abandonment,defection,forsaking,abscondment

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “desertion”?

Late Middle English: from Old French desercion, from late Latin desertio(n-), from desertare 'to abandon', frequentative of deserere 'forsake'.