De·sert v. t. [imp. & p. p. Deserted; p. pr. & vb. n. Deserting.]
1. To leave (especially something which one should stay by and support); to leave in the lurch; to abandon; to forsake; -- implying blame, except sometimes when used of localities; as, to desert a friend, a principle, a cause, one's country. “The deserted fortress.”
2. Mil. To abandon (the service) without leave; to forsake in violation of duty; to abscond from; as, to desert the army; to desert one's colors.