dereliction

Dereliction is defined as a shameful or negligent failure to live up to obligations, or to a state of being neglected and dilapidated.

(noun)

When a new mother intentionally fails to take care of her newborn baby, this is an example of dereliction.

See dereliction in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

Now Rare an abandoning or forsaking
Now Rare the state of being abandoned or forsaken
a neglect of, or failure in, duty; a being remiss
Law the gaining of land from water by the gradual retreat of the sea below the usual watermark

Origin: L derelictio: see derelict

See dereliction in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

Willful neglect, as of duty or principle.
a. The act of abandoning; abandonment.
b. A state of abandonment or neglect.
Law
a. A gaining of land by the permanent recession of the water line.
b. The land so gained.

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