Desertion: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in military or formal contexts when someone leaves a duty or position without permission, often considered a serious offense.

• Desertion from the army is punishable by law
• His desertion of the post left the team vulnerable

Used when someone leaves a person, place, or thing completely and often suddenly, especially when they have responsibilities. Can have a negative connotation.

• Child abandonment is a crime
• The city experienced abandonment as people moved away

Used in political or organizational contexts to describe abandoning one's country, cause, or organization in favor of an opposing one.

• His defection to the opposing party shocked everyone
• Many feared defection to the enemy side

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.

• After embezzling the funds, he absconded to another country
• The prisoner absconded from jail

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.

• The soldier faced severe penalties for desertion during the war

This term is used when someone leaves a person, place, or thing, often in a way that suggests irresponsibility or lack of care.

• Her feelings of abandonment grew after her parents left her at the orphanage

Choose this word to describe breaking trust or loyalty, often in a relationship or agreement. This word usually has a strong negative connotation.

• He felt a deep sense of betrayal when his best friend sided with his rivals

This term typically refers to abandoning someone or something, often with emotional or moral implications. It is less commonly used in everyday language.

• In times of trouble, she felt as though fate itself was forsaking her