desert
UK[ˈdɛzət]US[ˈdɛzərt]
n
A large, dry, barren area of land, especially one covered with sand, that is characteristically desolate, waterless, and without vegetation.
v
To abandon or leave someone or something, especially in a way considered disloyal or treacherous.
v
To leave one's post, duty, or military service without permission and with no intention of returning.
Morpheme Breakdown
de
sert
de
completely
sert
join
Etymology
The modern word 'desert' has a dual history stemming from the same Latin root. It originates from the past participle desertus of the verb deserere, meaning "to abandon, forsake, leave completely." This verb itself is composed of de- (expressing reversal or completeness) and serere (to join or bind together). Thus, the literal sense is "to un-join, to sever a connection." The noun meaning for a barren landscape came via the Medieval Latin phrase terra deserta, meaning "abandoned or forsaken land." The semantic logic connects the core idea of abandonment—first applied to people or duties, and later extended to land deemed forsaken and inhospitable.
Analysis
Structure: de (completely) + sert (join)
de- (Latin origin, a prefix meaning "completely, away, off"); sert (from Latin serere, meaning "to join, connect").
Examples
The Sahara is the world's largest hot desert.
He felt his friends would desert him in his time of need.
The soldier was court-martialed for attempting to desert the army.