crusaders
n. countablen. people who fight hard for a cause they believe is right. Historically, it refers to soldiers who fought in religious wars in the Middle East long ago.
n. individuals who participate in a vigorous campaign for political, social, or religious change; historically, participants in the medieval military expeditions organized by Western Christians.
The crusaders for climate justice marched through the city today.
Modern crusaders for animal rights often use social media to spread awareness and influence public policy.
While the historical crusaders sought to reclaim holy sites, the term now frequently describes any group pursuing a moral mission with intense, sometimes uncompromising, zeal.
Usually plural; often used metaphorically in modern political or social contexts.