Deserter: meaning, definitions and examples

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deserter

[dɪˈzɜːtər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

military

A person who abandons their duty or post without permission, typically in a time of war.

Synonyms

absconder, defector, traitor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
deserter	Typically used in a military or formal organizational context to describe someone who leaves their post without permission. The soldier was labeled a deserter after he abandoned his unit during the battle. Deserters are often punished severely by military courts.
defector	Used when someone leaves their country, political party, or cause to join an opposing one, often with the implication of betraying their original group. The defector provided valuable information to the intelligence agency of the rival nation. During the Cold War, several high-profile defectors crossed the border seeking asylum.
traitor	Carries a strong negative connotation; used to describe someone who betrays their country, cause, or a person who trusted them. He was branded a traitor after leaking classified information to the enemy. History often remembers traitors with infamy and contempt.
absconder	Used to describe someone who secretly leaves to avoid arrest or legal consequences, usually in a civilian context. He became an absconder after embezzling a large sum of money from the company. The police are searching for the absconder who skipped town before the trial.

Examples of usage

He was labeled a deserter after fleeing the battlefield.
The deserter was caught and sentenced to prison.
The army has a zero-tolerance policy for deserters.
If caught, deserters can face severe consequences.
The deserter left his unit vulnerable to attack.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

general

A person who leaves a group, organization, or cause, often in a disloyal or cowardly manner.

Synonyms

forsaker, renegade, turncoat.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
deserter	This word is primarily used to describe someone who abandons their duty or post, often in a military context. It has a strong negative connotation and implies a breach of loyalty and responsibility. The soldier was labeled a deserter after he abandoned his unit during the battle. Deserters are often punished severely in times of war.
forsaker	This word is less common and can refer to someone who gives up or abandons something, typically a person, cause, or belief. It has a broader application but is less negative compared to 'deserter'. He is often seen as the forsaker of the old traditions in favor of modern ways. She could not forgive him for being a forsaker of their friendship.
renegade	A renegade is someone who betrays a set of principles, party, or cause and joins the opposing side. It generally has a strong negative connotation, suggesting betrayal and rebelliousness. The renegade knight switched allegiance and fought against his former comrades. He was considered a renegade for abandoning the party's core values.
turncoat	This word refers to someone who switches their allegiance or loyalty, especially in a way that is seen as traitorous. It is often used informally and carries a strong negative connotation. He was branded a turncoat after he joined the rival company. Nobody trusts a turncoat, as their loyalty is always in question.

Examples of usage

He was seen as a deserter by his former colleagues.
The deserter abandoned his friends when they needed him most.
Being labeled a deserter can have serious social consequences.
The deserter's actions left a lasting impact on the organization.
His reputation was tarnished by the label of deserter.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'deserere,' meaning 'to abandon.'
In medieval French, 'deserter' also meant to forsake or abandon, reflecting early uses around martial contexts.
The term has been used in various languages to denote betrayal or abandonment since the 16th century.

Military History

During the American Civil War, desertion rates were notably high due to the harsh conditions and escalating casualties.
In World War I and II, many soldiers fled combat zones, often out of fear or disillusionment with the war.
Deserters sometimes faced severe punishment, such as imprisonment or execution, depending on the laws of the time.

Psychology

Research indicates that feelings of helplessness or fear can trigger a person's decision to desert during stressful situations.
Desertion can lead to feelings of guilt and shame for the individual, impacting their mental health long after the event.
Studies suggest that social support and strong community bonds can reduce the likelihood of desertion in high-stress environments.

Pop Culture

Deserters are often depicted in movies and literature as complex characters, struggling with their inner conflicts and moral dilemmas.
The film 'Apocalypse Now' explores themes of desertion in the context of the Vietnam War, highlighting the psychological toll it takes on soldiers.
Songs like 'Fortunate Son' by Creedence Clearwater Revival address themes of abandonment and draft evasion during the Vietnam era.

Legal Context

Desertion in military law can lead to a court martial and various legal ramifications depending on the country’s laws.
Some countries implement policies to help reintegrate reformed deserters back into society after military conflicts.
Desertion is legally classified differently across nations, with some treating it as a criminal act and others as a civil issue.

Translations

Translations of the word "deserter" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desertor

🇮🇳 भगोड़ा

🇩🇪 Deserteur

🇮🇩 desersi

🇺🇦 дезертир

🇵🇱 dezerter

🇯🇵 脱走者

🇫🇷 déserteur

🇪🇸 desertor

🇹🇷 firari

🇰🇷 탈영병

🇸🇦 فار

🇨🇿 dezertér

🇸🇰 dezertér

🇨🇳 逃兵

🇸🇮 dezerter

🇮🇸 flóttamaður

🇰🇿 дезертир

🇬🇪 დეზერტირი

🇦🇿 dezertir

🇲🇽 desertor

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,389, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

...
23386 tinnitus
23387 memorizing
23388 jubilant
23389 deserter
23390 tinder
23391 acacia
23392 bureaucrat
...