desert

A large area of land with very little rain and few plants.

• The desert is very dry.
• They crossed the desert on camels.
• Some deserts become freezing cold at night.

Similar words: wasteland

Common phrases: sandy desert, cross the desert, desert landscape

A reward or punishment that someone deserves, usually used in the plural.

• The thief got his just deserts.
• She hoped the dishonest manager would receive his just deserts.
• In the story, every villain eventually gets their just deserts.

Similar words: due reward, due punishment

Common phrases: just deserts, get just deserts

Having no people living there.

• They reached a desert island.
• Could you survive alone on a desert island?
• The sailors spent months on a desert isle.

Similar words: uninhabited, deserted

Opposites: inhabited

Common phrases: desert island, desert isle

To leave someone or something you should support or look after.

• He deserted his family.
• Her friends deserted her when she needed help.
• Many supporters have deserted the party.

Similar words: abandon, leave, forsake

Opposites: support

Common phrases: desert someone, desert your family, desert a cause

To leave military service or another duty without permission.

• The soldier deserted his post.
• Several recruits deserted during the winter.
• He was arrested for deserting from the army.

How to use it: desert from something (Two soldiers deserted from the regiment.)

Similar words: abscond, abandon one's post

Common phrases: desert the army, desert your post, desert a unit