1. noun /dɪˈzɜːt/
From the highest spire of contentment / my fortune is thrown; / and fear and grief and pain for my deserts / are my hopes, since hope is gone.
b) A barren area of land or desolate terrain, especially one with little water or vegetation; a wasteland.
"Nonsense, Mina. It is a shame to me to hear such a word. I would not hear it of you. And I shall not hear it from you. May God judge me by my deserts, and punish me with more bitter suffering than even this hour, if by any act or will of mine anything ever come between us!"
2. verb /dɪˈzɜːt/
a) To leave (anything that depends on ones presence to survive, exist, or succeed), especially when contrary to a promise or obligation; to abandon; to forsake.
You cant just drive off and desert me here, in the middle of nowhere.
Anyone found deserting will be shot.
Wikipedia foundation.