verb
desert
To leave someone or something one has a duty to support.
He deserts his companions when they need him most.
Etymology
Latin deserere meant to forsake or abandon. This use keeps the breaking of a connection, especially where people leave a person, group, or duty that depended on their support.
More examples
- The soldiers deserted their posts.
- She has never deserted a friend in trouble.
- They were deserting the cause after years of support.
Forms
desert · deserts · deserted · deserting