English Explanatory Dictionary

apostasy

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. The renunciation of a belief or set of beliefs.
  2. Specifically, the renunciation of one's religion or faith.

Pronunciation

/əˈpɒ.stə.si/ /əˈpɔs.tə.si/ /əˈpɑs.tə.si/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Sapaa-apostasy.wav

Word forms

apostasy apostasies

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”).

Synonyms

backsliding[emic]] viewpoint only> defection disaffection estrangement

Related words

apostate apostatic apostatical apostatically apostatise apostatize deconvert thoughtcrime

Derived words

apostasize
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