Desert Definition and Legal Meaning

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

What is Desert?

v. To deliberately discard a person or thin.

History and Meaning of Desert

The term "desert" has its roots in Old French and Latin, originally referring to an uninhabited or sparsely inhabited region. Over time, the term has taken on various meanings, including the act of leaving or abandoning someone or something. In legal terms, desertion most commonly refers to the intentional and permanent abandonment of a spouse or children, which can have serious legal consequences.

Examples of Desert

  1. A soldier who abandons their post in the military without permission could be charged with desertion.
  2. In a divorce case, if one spouse leaves the other and their children without any intention of returning, they can be accused of desertion.
  3. A parent who leaves their child without providing any financial support or communicating with them for an extended period of time could be accused of desertion.

Legal Terms Similar to Desert

  1. Abandonment - similar to desertion, abandonment refers to the act of leaving or failing to care for someone or something.
  2. Neglect - failing to provide necessary care or attention, leading to harm or danger.
  3. Estrangement - the state of being no longer close or connected with someone, often due to a prolonged period of conflict or distance.