The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Desert \De*sert"\ (d[-e]*z[~e]rt"), v. t. [imp. & p. p.
   Deserted; p. pr. & vb. n. Deserting.] [Cf. L. desertus,
   p. p. of deserere to desert, F. d['e]serter. See 2d
   Desert.]
   1. To leave (especially something which one should stay by
      and support); to leave in the lurch; to abandon; to
      forsake; -- implying blame, except sometimes when used of
      localities; as, to desert a friend, a principle, a cause,
      one's country. "The deserted fortress." --Prescott.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. (Mil.) To abandon (the service) without leave; to forsake
      in violation of duty; to abscond from; as, to desert the
      army; to desert one's colors.
      [1913 Webster]