Desertion is the act of leaving a job, duty, or commitment without permission or just cause. FALSENESS is the quality of being deliberately untruthful, and is often associated with desertion. RELINQUISHMENT is the act of giving up a claim or right to something. Tergiversation is the act of avoiding commitment by changing positions or opinions. ESCAPE is the act of leaving a place or situation quickly and secretly. APOSTASY is the act of abandoning one's faith or beliefs. BACKSLIDING is the act of reverting to a former state or habit. DEFECTION is the act of leaving a political party or organization. ABANDONMENT is the act of leaving something or someone behind without intending to return.