desertion Play nounThe action of deserting a person, cause, or organization. SYNONYMS abandonmentabjurationabscondingapostasybetrayalboltingcowardicedecampingdefectiondeparturederelictionescapefleeingflightflyingforsakingforswearinggoing absent without leavegoing AWOLjiltingleavingneglectrelinquishmentrenegingrenunciationrepudiationrunning awayshunningstrandingtaking French leavetreasontruancyturning tail