desertion

noun

de·​ser·​tion di-ˈzər-shən How to pronounce desertion (audio)
1
: an act of deserting
especially : the abandonment without consent or legal justification of a person, post, or relationship and the associated duties and obligations
sued for divorce on grounds of desertion
2
: a state of being deserted or forsaken

Examples of desertion in a Sentence

the soldiers were imprisoned for desertion of their posts
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Ukraine’s military recorded a deficit of 4,000 troops on the front in September owing largely to deaths, injuries and desertions, according to a lawmaker. Samya Kullab and Volodymyr Yurchuk, Los Angeles Times, 29 Nov. 2024 The Ukrainian military previously said that more than 18,000 Russian soldiers from the Southern Military District abandoned their posts, and Russia hit a new spike in desertions in July. Matt Robison, Newsweek, 20 Nov. 2024 The locals preferred to remain inside, and because their windowless houses guarded their privacy the village often had a disquieting air of desertion. Greg Jackson, The New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2024 Pyongyang may also stare down issues with desertion and defection, Yeo noted. Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for desertion 

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, borrowed from Latin dēsertiōn-, dēsertiō, from dēserere "to part company with, abandon, leave uninhabited, leave in the lurch" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at desert entry 3

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of desertion was in 1591

Dictionary Entries Near desertion

Cite this Entry

“Desertion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/desertion. Accessed 12 Dec. 2024.

Legal Definition

desertion

noun
de·​ser·​tion
: the forsaking of a person, post, or relationship: as
a
: permanent withdrawal from living with one's spouse without the spouse's consent and without cause or justification

Note: Desertion is a ground for divorce in many states.

b
: intentional permanent termination of custody over one's child
also : abandonment
c
: abandonment of military duty without leave and without the intent to return

More from Merriam-Webster on desertion

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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