Desertion Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
🏜️
desertion
[dɪˈzɜːrʃən ]
Definitions
military
The act of abandoning or leaving a military post, duty, or position without permission.
Synonyms
abandonment, absconding, defection.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| desertion |
Used in military or formal contexts when someone leaves a duty or position without permission, often considered a serious offense.
|
| abandonment |
Used when someone leaves a person, place, or thing completely and often suddenly, especially when they have responsibilities. Can have a negative connotation.
|
| defection |
Used in political or organizational contexts to describe abandoning one's country, cause, or organization in favor of an opposing one.
|
| absconding |
Used when someone leaves secretly and suddenly to escape from a place or avoid capture, often associated with running away from law enforcement or responsibilities.
|
Examples of usage
- The soldier was court-martialed for desertion during wartime.
- Desertion is considered a serious offense in the military.
general
The act of abandoning or forsaking something or someone.
Synonyms
abandonment, betrayal, forsaking.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| desertion |
Use this word when referring to the act of leaving someone who depends on you or leaving a post or duty without permission. Commonly used in military contexts.
|
| abandonment |
This term is used when someone leaves a person, place, or thing, often in a way that suggests irresponsibility or lack of care.
|
| betrayal |
Choose this word to describe breaking trust or loyalty, often in a relationship or agreement. This word usually has a strong negative connotation.
|
| forsaking |
This term typically refers to abandoning someone or something, often with emotional or moral implications. It is less commonly used in everyday language.
|
Examples of usage
- The desertion of their duties by the employees led to a chaotic situation at the office.
- His desertion of his family shocked everyone.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The term 'desertion' comes from the Latin word 'deserere', meaning to abandon or forsake, which reflects its meaning of leaving something behind.
- Throughout history, desertion has been a significant issue in the military, particularly during wars, where soldiers have fled from battlefields.
- In the context of the law, desertion can refer to the act of one partner leaving a marriage without consent, resulting in serious legal implications.
Psychology
- Desertion can have profound psychological effects on both the person who leaves and those who are left behind, often causing feelings of abandonment or betrayal.
- Research shows that feelings of loneliness, which sometimes lead individuals to desert others, are linked to various mental health issues like depression.
- The fear of desertion can affect relationships, making people hesitant to fully engage or commit to others due to the potential for rejection.
Literature
- Many literary works explore themes of desertion, focusing on characters who abandon their responsibilities or loved ones, highlighting moral dilemmas.
- In Shakespeare's plays, characters often face the consequences of desertion, showcasing its emotional and social repercussions.
- Modern fiction sometimes depicts desertion as a form of self-discovery, where characters leave to find their true identity away from societal constraints.
Pop Culture
- Desertion is frequently depicted in movies and TV shows, often as a dramatic plot point, such as a character leaving their family or friends suddenly.
- Songs in various genres, especially in rock and pop, express themes of desertion, capturing the emotional turmoil of being abandoned.
- In video games, desertion of a team or faction can impact gameplay, as characters must navigate loyalty and betrayal.
Legal Context
- In family law, desertion refers to one spouse abandoning the other without consent, which can lead to divorce proceedings.
- Desertion in the military is considered a serious offense, often resulting in court-martial or punitive actions against the deserter.
- Legal definitions of desertion can vary by jurisdiction, but they typically involve the absence of a person from their duty or responsibilities without permission.
Origin of 'desertion'
The word 'desertion' originated from the Latin word 'desertio', which means 'a forsaking'. The concept of desertion has been present throughout history, especially in the context of military operations and relationships. Desertion is often viewed as a betrayal or abandonment of responsibilities, leading to serious consequences in various fields.
See also: deserted, desertedly, deserter, deserting.