desertion
n. C1 Advanced US //dɪˈzɝʃən// UK //dɪzˈɜːʃən// de·ser·tion
n. the act of leaving a group or organization, especially an army, without permission. It is a serious crime in the military.
n. the act of leaving a military unit or organization without authority or without intent to return. Often carries legal consequences, particularly within military law.
The soldier faced a court-martial for desertion.
During the long winter campaign, several soldiers were punished for desertion after they left their posts to find shelter.
The general's memoirs detail the psychological toll of desertion on the remaining troops, noting how the loss of a few men significantly eroded the unit's morale.
Borrowed from Middle French désertion.