surrendered vs. deserted

[Tanjak]

Synonyms Lesson, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #104 "Synonyms for abandon", question 8

The soldiers were exhausted and they finally ......... the city to the enemy.

(a) gave up
(b) deserted
(c) surrendered
(d) resigned

Synonyms Lesson, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #104 "Synonyms for abandon", answer 8

The soldiers were exhausted and they finally surrendered the city to the enemy.

Correct answer: (c) surrendered

Your answer was: incorrect
The soldiers were exhausted and they finally deserted the city to the enemy.
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I am confused... why don't we say deserted?

[Mister Micawber]

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Because you cannot 'desert' something 'to someone'.
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Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's