Meaning & Definition of word "Desert"
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Desert
/ˈdɛz.ɚt/
noun:
- 1. A barren area of land where little precipitation occurs and consequently, living conditions are hostile for plant and animal life.
- Example: The Sahara is the largest hot desert in the world.
- 2. A place that is devoid of life or activity; a wasteland.
- Example: After the war, the city became a desert, empty and quiet.
verb:
- 1. To abandon a person, place, or cause.
- Example: He decided to desert his post in the army.
- 2. To leave without intending to return.
- Example: The soldier was court-martialed for being absent without leave after he deserted the camp.
Etymology
Middle English deserte, from Old French desert, from Latin desertus (abandoned).
Common Phrases and Expressions
desert island:
A hypothetical isolated location where one is completely cut off from civilization.
to desert someone:
To abandon or leave a person, often in a time of need.
desert rights:
Legal entitlements pertaining to land in arid regions.
Related Words
abandon:
To leave someone behind, especially in a difficult situation.
wilderness:
An uncultivated, uninhabited, and inhospitable region.
oasis:
A fertile spot in a desert where water is found.
Slang Meanings of desert
Meaning: To leave without saying goodbye.
Example Sentence: He just pulled a desert and left the party early.
Meaning: To abandon something suddenly.
Example Sentence: She deserted the project halfway through.