Dereliction Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Dereliction, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Dereliction?

n. 1) The act of abandoning possession, such as in “dereliction of duty.” 2) The increase of land mass which is due to the tide line lowering.

History and Meaning of Dereliction

Dereliction has two distinct definitions. The first definition is "the act of abandoning possession," which is usually referred to as "dereliction of duty." This term is commonly used in a variety of contexts, including the military, law enforcement, government jobs, and everyday employment. Individuals who are in a position of authority or responsibility but fail to perform their duties adequately are guilty of dereliction of duty.

The second definition of dereliction is related to the increase in land mass due to the lowering of the tide. This process often occurs in river deltas, bays, and other bodies of water that have an estuary area. As the tide level rises and falls, it can cause sedimentation to occur, which can increase the amount of land in the estuary over time.

Examples of Dereliction

  1. The police officer was accused of dereliction of duty for failing to report the incident.
  2. The CEO was found guilty of dereliction of duty for ignoring the environmental concerns of the community.
  3. The homeowner was responsible for the dereliction of their property, which resulted in fines from the city.
  4. The dereliction of the coastline was causing concern for the local community, as it impacted the local ecology and economy.
  5. The increase in dereliction of the river delta was causing flooding and erosion concerns for the local residents.

Legal Terms Similar to Dereliction

  1. Negligence - A legal term used to describe a failure to take reasonable care, which results in harm to another person or entity.
  2. Malfeasance - A legal term for an intentional act that violates the law or a duty of care and that causes harm to another person or entity.
  3. Misfeasance - A legal term for a negligent or wrongful act that causes harm to another person or entity, often due to a lack of awareness or understanding.