deserter

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C1 — Advanced

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun a disloyal person who betrays or deserts his cause or religion or political party or friend etc.
noun a person who abandons their duty (as on a military post)

Borrowed from Latin desertor (“deserter”), from desero (“to forsake, to abandon”); or from desert + -er.

I recognised the deserter, Dubrosc! — The Rifle Rangers, Mayne Reid
"It's a damned deserter, sir. — The Long Roll, Mary Johnston
“The Deserter” offered a new complication. — Complete Short Works of George Meredith, George Meredith

apostate, renegade, turncoat, recreant, ratter

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