1. people who abandon their military duty without permission
Usage: military
2. people who abandon a cause, organization, or group they previously supported

Examples

• The army court-martialed several deserters who fled during the battle.
• Military deserters often face severe punishment if caught.
• The general ordered a search for the deserters hiding in the mountains.
• Political deserters switched sides before the election.
• The party leadership criticized the deserters who joined the opposition.
• Many deserters from the cause felt disillusioned with the leadership.