desertion

noun

de·​ser·​tion di-ˈzər-shən 

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

Synonyms

• abandonment
• dereliction
• forsaking

Examples of desertion in a Sentence

the soldiers were imprisoned for desertion of their posts

Recent Examples on the Web

Many states banned it entirely, while others permitted it only under limited circumstances – typically cruelty, desertion or adultery. —Marcia Zug, The Conversation, 21 Mar. 2024

But the biggest conflagration could take place in Myanmar, where the ruling junta is reeling from an offensive launched by a coalition of rebel militias and seeing mounting desertion in its ranks. —Ishaan Tharoor, Washington Post, 22 Dec. 2023

In addition to desertion for crossing over into North Korea, where he was detained for two months, King faces seven additional charges, including possessing child pornography and multiple assaults, according to the documents. —Jolie Lash, ABC News, 20 Oct. 2023

Some say conscription is a desperate effort by the military to boost ranks depleted by death, desertions and defections. —Helen Regan, CNN, 21 Feb. 2024

In 1945, Pvt. Eddie Slovik, 24, became the first U.S. soldier since the Civil War to be executed for desertion as he was shot by an American firing squad in France. —Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2024

Last July, Travis King, a private who was reportedly facing disciplinary action, bolted away from a private DMZ tour; he was sent back to the U.S. in September and has been charged with desertion, among other crimes. —Francine Uenuma, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Jan. 2024

King is charged with eight counts, according to the charging sheet, including desertion in connection with his dash into North Korea, one of the world’s most reclusive countries. —Phil Helsel, NBC News, 20 Oct. 2023

Citing documents related to the case, NBC reports that King has now been charged with eight counts by the U.S. Army, including desertion, assault of his fellow soldiers and soliciting child pornography. —Virginia Chamlee, Peoplemag, 20 Oct. 2023

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

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