Apostasy

Pronunciation

• IPA: /əˈpÉ’stÉ™si/

Origin

From Latin apostasia, from Ancient Greek ἀποστασία (apostasia, "defection, revolt"), from ἀφίστημι (aphistēmi, "I withdraw, revolt"), from ἀπό (apo, "from") + ἵστημι (histēmi, "I stand")

Full definition of apostasy

Noun

1. The renunciation of a belief or set of beliefs.
• 1871, James Anthony Froude, History of England from the Fall of Wolsey to the Death of Elizabeth, page 394The King of Navarre suddenly abandoned his party and went over to the Catholics.The explanation of his apostasy was as simple as it was base : Navarre had no confidence in the success of his cause, and he cared little in his heart for anything but women and vanity.
2. Specifically, the renunciation of one's religion or faith.

Synonyms

• (renunciation of religion or faith) backsliding, conversion, deconversion
• (renunciation of a set of beliefs) defection, disaffection, estrangement

Related terms

• apostate
• apostatise