上述三个单词均有“放弃”的含义。其中，abandonment为通用词，可用于放弃诉讼、财产、各种权利、理由等；家庭法上指“离遗”配偶或子女，主要强调离开且不准备返回之行为， 有一去不复返的含义⑴。desertion常用作指放弃应当履行的责 任或义务，尤指不服兵役或遗弃配偶或家庭成员；在遗弃配偶 等时主要强调未尽责任义务而非一定有离开之实际行为（如 constructive desertion,只要终止同居行为即可构成desertion)，故为“遗弃”，也称为 “gross neglect of duty”[2]。waiver 通常用于 表示对某种权利的放弃[3]。
[1 ] "The act of leaving a spouse or child willfully and without an intent to return." Cf. Bryan A. Gamer, Black’s Law Dictionary, 7th edition, at p_ 2，West Group (1999).
[2]"Separation of one spouse from the other, with a deliberate intention and, without reasonable cause and the other spouse's consent, to end cohabitation permanently. ” Cf. Daphne A. Dukelow, The Dictionary of Canadian Law, at p. 276，Thomson Professional Publishing Canada (1991) .
[3] “The renunciation, repudiation, abandonment, or surrender of some claim, right, privilege, or of the opportunity to take advantage of some defect, irregularity, or a legal wrong. ” Cf. The Publisher’s Editorial Staff, Black's Law Dictionary, abridged 6th edition, at p. 1092，West Publishing Co. (1991).