Desert

/ˈdɛz.ɚt/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A barren area of land where little precipitation occurs and consequently, living conditions are hostile for plant and animal life.

The Sahara is the largest hot desert in the world.

A place that is devoid of life or activity; a wasteland.

After the war, the city became a desert, empty and quiet.

verb

To abandon a person, place, or cause.

He decided to desert his post in the army.

To leave without intending to return.

The soldier was court-martialed for being absent without leave after he deserted the camp.

Middle English deserte, from Old French desert, from Latin desertus (abandoned).

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.

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.

To leave without saying goodbye.

He just pulled a desert and left the party early.

To abandon something suddenly.

She deserted the project halfway through.