deserted
adj. · v.-
1 empty of people (adj.) B2 Upper Intermediateempty of people and feeling quiet or lonely.
describing a place that is uninhabited or abandoned by people.
ExampleThe streets were completely deserted after the heavy snow started falling.
ExampleThey wandered through the deserted village, where the only sound was the wind whistling through the broken window frames of the old cottages.
UsageUsually describes streets, buildings, or landscapes.
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2 abandoned someone (v.) B2 Upper Intermediateleft someone or something behind when you should have stayed.
the past tense of 'desert', meaning to leave a person, post, or obligation without permission.
ExampleHe felt like his friends had deserted him when he needed help.
ExampleThe soldier was accused of having deserted his post during the height of the battle, a charge that carried severe consequences.
UsageOften used in a military context or regarding personal relationships.