desert

UK: ˈdɛzət | US: ˈdɛzərt

Definition

  1. n. 1. A barren, arid landscape with little vegetation.

  2. n. 2. A deserved reward or punishment (archaic/literary).

  3. vt. 1. To abandon or leave without permission (e.g., military service).

  4. vi. 1. To leave a place, causing emptiness.

Structure
de <away>sert <join>
Etymology

desert = de<away> + sert<join>

  • de (Latin de-: "away, off")
  • sert (Latin serere: "to join, bind")

Etymology Origin:
The word "desert" has two distinct etymological paths:

  1. For the noun meaning "barren land," it derives from Latin desertum (past participle of deserere, "to abandon"), combining de- ("away") + serere ("to join"). The logic: land "abandoned" by fertility or human habitation.
  2. For the verb "to abandon," it directly retains the Latin deserere structure, emphasizing the act of "un-joining" or leaving.
Examples

  1. The Sahara is the largest hot desert in the world.

  2. He feared he would desert his comrades under pressure.

  3. The soldier was punished for attempting to desert the army.

  4. The old library stood deserted after the town’s relocation.

  5. "Justice demands that criminals receive their just deserts." (archaic usage)