deserting troops

[/dɪˈzɜːrtɪŋ truːps/]
noun phrase / verb phrase
tropas desertoras / soldados desertores
1. Military personnel who abandon their posts, units, or military service without authorization or permission
The deserting troops were court-martialed for abandoning their posts during the conflict.
As tropas desertoras foram submetidas a corte marcial por abandonarem seus postos durante o conflito.
2. Soldiers who flee from battle or military duty
Deserting troops faced severe punishment under military law.
Os soldados desertores enfrentavam punição severa sob a lei militar.
This term is primarily used in military and historical contexts. In Brazil and Portugal, desertion is taken very seriously under military law. The phrase is commonly found in historical accounts, military regulations, and literature dealing with wartime experiences. During military dictatorships in Brazil (1964-1985), desertion was heavily prosecuted.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
fleeing soldiersabsent without leave (AWOL)runaway troopsdefecting soldiersrenegade troops
Antonyms / Antônimos
loyal troopsfaithful soldierssteadfast forces

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
tropas desertoras
Most common translation in formal and military contexts
Brazil
soldados desertores
Alternative form emphasizing individual soldiers rather than units
Portugal
tropas desertoras / soldados desertores
Same usage as Brazilian Portuguese in military contexts
São Paulo
tropas que desertam
Descriptive form sometimes used in contemporary discourse

Related Words

desertioncourt-martialAWOLmutinydefectionmilitary discipline

Related Idioms & Phrases

abandon ship
run for the hills
jump ship
go AWOL
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