Sekirov Dictionary

desert

UK /ˈdɛz.ət/US /ˈdɛz.ɚt/

noun 3
adjective 1
/dɪˈzɝt/ verb 2
/dɪˈzɝt/ noun 1
forms 5
phrases 1

noun3

•
a wide, empty area of land, usually with little water and almost no plants
- And ye poore Pilgrimes, that vvith restlesse toyle VVearie your selues in vvandring desert vvayes […] — 1591
•
In particular, a barren, arid area of land which is hot, with sandy, rocky, or parched ground.
- The desert storm was riding in its strength; the travellers lay beneath the mastery of the fell simoom. Whirling wreaths and columns of burning wind, rushed around and over them. — 1892
•
(figurative) Any barren place or situation.
- He declared that the country was an intellectual desert; that he was famishing for spiritual aliment, and for discourse on matters beyond mere nuggets, prospectings, and the price of gold. — 1858

adjective1

•
Usually of a place: abandoned, deserted, or uninhabited.
- They were marooned on a desert island in the Pacific.

desert

UK /dɪˈzɜːt/US /dɪˈzɝt/

verb2

•
To leave (anything that depends on one's presence to survive, exist, or succeed), especially when contrary to a promise or obligation; to abandon; to forsake.
- You can't just drive off and desert me here, in the middle of nowhere.
•
To leave one's duty or post, especially to leave a military or naval unit without permission.
- Anyone found deserting will be punished.

noun[in the plural]1

•
That which is deserved or merited; a just punishment or reward.
- just deserts
- July 4, 1789, Alexander Hamilton, Eulogium on Major-General Greene His reputation falls far below his desert.

forms

deserted · deserting · deserteth · deserts · desertest

Phrases with desert

preach in the desert
To speak to or persuade a nearly nonexistent audience, or to an audience not listening.

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