desertion
Translation
desertion, abandonment
Examples
His desertion of his family was shocking.
His desertion of his family was shocking.
The soldier was charged with desertion.
The soldier was charged with desertion.
Grammar Patterns
((of sb./sth.)) the act of leaving (sb./sth.) His desertion of his family was shocking.
Similar Words
Synonyms: abandonment, betrayal; Antonyms: loyalty, commitment
Etymology
From Latin 'deserere' (to abandon), from 'de-' (away) and 'serere' (to join), literally 'to un-join'.
Memory Tips
Imagine a soldier leaving their post in the 'desert', which is an act of 'desertion'.