Definitions of desert:

• noun:   an arid region with little or no vegetation
• verb:   desert (a cause, a country or an army), often in order to join the opposing cause, country, or army

  Example: "If soldiers deserted Hitler's army, they were shot"

• verb:   leave someone who needs or counts on you; leave in the lurch

  Example: "The mother deserted her children"

• adjective:   located in a dismal or remote area; desolate

  Example: "A desert island"