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Deserter Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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deserter

[dษชหˆzษœหtษ™r ]

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.

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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?

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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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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 countryโ€™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.

Origin of 'deserter'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'deserter' originated from the Latin word 'desertor', which means 'one who forsakes or abandons'. The term has been used throughout history to refer to individuals who abandon their duties or allegiances, especially in the context of military service. Deserter has carried negative connotations, reflecting societal views on loyalty and honor. In times of war, deserters were often severely punished, highlighting the seriousness of the offense.

See also: deserted, desertedly, deserting, desertion.

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.