desert is often used for ships or military. "He deserted his post" = he gave up his duty and left his job.
abandon is more general, you can "abandon ship" (let the ship sink in the water, leave the ship". you can also abandon your post. you can also metaphorically "abandon" someone by never contacting them again; "he abandoned his friends"
"give up" can mean abandon but it can also mean to stop doing something (放棄), like "he practiced Yoga for many years, but recently he gave it up"