apostasy
UK /əˈpɒ.stə.si/ · US /əˈpɔs.tə.si/ noun
Forms apostasies
- noun The renunciation of a belief or set of beliefs.
- noun Specifically, the renunciation of one's religion or faith.
Synonyms
backsliding[emic]] viewpoint only> defection disaffection estrangement renunciation tergiversation
Etymology
From Latin apostasia, from Ancient Greek ἀποστασία (apostasía, “defection, revolt”), from ἀφίστημι (aphístēmi, “to withdraw, revolt”), from ἀπό (apó, “from”) + ἵστημι (hístēmi, “to stand”).
Webster’s 1913
- noun An abandonment of what one has voluntarily professed; a total desertion of departure from one's faith, principles, or party; esp., the renunciation of a religious faith; as, Julian's apostasy from Christianity.
Etymology [OE. apostasie, F. apostasie, L. apostasia, fr. Gr. Off and Stand.]
Sources: Wiktionary · WordNet 3.0 · Webster’s 1913 — from the Wiktionary entry “apostasy”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details