Leave desolate (6)

I believe the answer is:

desert

I believe this is a double definition.

'leave' is the first definition.
(desert can mean to leave or abandon)

'desolate' is the second definition.
(synonyms)

(Other definitions for desert that I've seen before include "Abandon; barren waste" , "Abandon, desolate area" , "Sweet" , "Abandon in Sahara" , "Abandon in barren terrain" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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