də̇ˈzer]shən, dēˈ-, -zə̄], -zəi]\ noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle French or Late Latin; Middle French, from Late Latin desertion-, desertio, from Latin desertus + -ion-, -io -ion
1. : the act or an instance of deserting:
a. : abandonment of a person to whom one is obligated or bound by agreement
we resolved to make the dash for the summit in spite of their desertion
: abandonment of that to which a degree of loyalty is considered due (as a post of duty, employment engaged for, a cause, a political party) : defection
b. : a deserting from the military or naval service
c. : the intentional and substantial abandonment permanently or for a period of time stated by law without legal excuse and without consent of one's duties arising out of a status (as that of husband and wife or parent and child)
2. : a state of being deserted or forsaken : desolation
3. : one who deserts
all the desertions gave themselves up