Meaning & Definition of word "Desert"

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.