-io

an action, process, or result

Forms

-io
-ion- — The longer form used before Latin endings.
-ion — The form carried into many English nouns.

Origin

An old Latin noun ending, inherited from earlier Indo-European word formation.

Note

The ending can name both an activity and what that activity produces.

118 / 371

noun

desertion

dih-ZUR-shun/dɪˈzɜːrʃn/

The act of abandoning someone or something.

The sentry's desertion leaves his partner guarding the exposed checkpoint alone.

A uniformed sentry abandons a guarded checkpoint, walking away with a packed civilian bag after dropping his helmet and duty belt.

Etymology

deLatindown, away; removal

+sertLatinjoin, link, or arrange

+ionLatinan action, process, or result

The underlying image is undoing a joining: breaking a connection rather than maintaining it. This became abandonment, including leaving a duty, post, or person.

In context

Ancient Roman Insights12:02

Men suspected of desertion, cowardice, or abandoning their posts could face severe discipline.

What Happened to Roman Soldiers Who Survived a Lost Battle?

More examples

The army reports several desertions during the retreat.
She sees his departure as an act of desertion.
The party struggles after the desertion of several longtime members.

Forms

desertion · desertions

desert verb — To abandon a person, group, or duty.

deserter noun — Someone who abandons a duty or group.

Similar words

abandonment: Broader term, without necessarily suggesting violated loyalty or duty.
defection: Specifically involves leaving an allegiance, often to join a rival.