desertar (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

• Verb

Phonetic Transcription

• /deserˈtaɾ/

Translation Options into English

• To desert
• To abandon
• To leave (one's duty or post)

Meaning and Usage

In the Spanish language, desertar means to abandon a duty, post, or a commitment, especially in a military context. It is commonly used to refer to soldiers who leave their unit or post without permission, which can carry severe consequences. The word is used both in oral and written contexts, although military and legal texts may employ it more frequently.

Example Sentences

1. El soldado decidió desertar durante la noche.

2. The soldier decided to desert during the night.

3. Aquellos que intentan desertar del ejército enfrentan duras penas.

4. Those who attempt to desert from the army face harsh penalties.

5. Algunos estudiantes desertan de la universidad por problemas económicos.

6. Some students desert from university due to financial problems.

Idiomatic Expressions

While desertar itself is not commonly found in many idiomatic expressions, its implications relate to themes of betrayal, abandonment, and loyalty. Here are a few expressions that touch on these themes:

1. Desertar a la causa
2. Significance: Abandoning a cause or movement.
3. Example: Muchos activistas sintieron que algunos líderes desertaron a la causa por intereses personales.

4. Translation: Many activists felt that some leaders deserted the cause for personal interests.

5. Desertar en el momento crítico

6. Significance: To abandon someone or something in a crucial moment.
7. Example: No puedes desertar en el momento crítico, todos dependemos de ti.

8. Translation: You cannot desert in the critical moment, we all depend on you.

9. No desertar el puesto

10. Significance: Not abandoning one's post.
11. Example: El deber es permanecer y no desertar el puesto aunque sea difícil.
12. Translation: The duty is to remain and not desert the post even when it’s tough.

Etymology

The term desertar has its roots in the Latin word desertare, which means "to abandon" or "to forsake." This Latin term itself is derived from desertus, the past participle of deserere, meaning "to leave or let go."

Synonyms and Antonyms

• Synonyms: Abandonar (to abandon), abandonar el barco (to jump ship), huir (to flee).
• Antonyms: Permanecer (to remain), mantenerse (to hold on), cumplir (to fulfill).

This comprehensive overview highlights the significance of the term desertar in various contexts, illustrating its meaning, usage, and linguistic connections.