Apostate

Origin

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

Full definition of apostate

Adjective

1. Guilty of apostasy.We must punish this apostate priest.
• MiltonSo spake the apostate angel.
• SteeleA wretched and apostate state.

Noun

1. A person who has renounced a religion or faith.
2. (Roman Catholicism) One who, after having received sacred orders, renounces his clerical profession.

Related terms

• apostasy
• apostatical

Synonyms

• deconvert
• recreant
• withersake