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desert

[ˈdezət]

desert Definition

  • 1a dry, barren area of land, especially one covered with sand, that is characteristically desolate, waterless, and without vegetation
  • 2abandon (a person, cause, or organization) in a way considered disloyal or treacherous

Using desert: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "desert" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The Sahara is the world's largest desert.

  • Example

    The town was deserted after the gold rush.

  • Example

    He was deserted by his friends when he needed them most.

  • Example

    The soldiers were accused of deserting their posts.

desert Synonyms and Antonyms

Idioms Using desert

  • to abandon a failing enterprise or cause

    Example

    When the company started losing money, many employees began to desert a sinking ship and look for other jobs.

  • to be abandoned or left behind

    Example

    After the car broke down, they were left in the desert with no food or water.

  • to find something good in a bad situation

    Example

    After a long day at work, coming home to his family was like finding an oasis in the desert.

Phrases with desert

  • a small, uninhabited island

    Example

    After the shipwreck, they found themselves stranded on a desert island.

  • the punishment that someone deserves

    Example

    After years of cheating people, he finally got his just deserts when he was caught and sent to jail.

  • a violent windstorm that carries sand and dust over a wide area

    Example

    The desert storm made it difficult to see and breathe.

Origins of desert

from Old French 'deserte', from Latin 'desertus', meaning 'abandoned'

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Summary: desert in Brief

The term 'desert' [ˈdezət] refers to a dry, barren area of land, often covered with sand, that is devoid of vegetation and water. It can also mean to abandon or betray someone or something. Examples include 'The Sahara is the world's largest desert.' and 'He was deserted by his friends when he needed them most.' Phrases like 'desert island' and idioms like 'to desert a sinking ship' are also common.

How do native speakers use this expression?