apostasy
uh-POS-tuh-see
/əˈpɒstəsi/
The abandonment or renunciation of a religious or political belief.
Apostasy is a total rejection of a former identity or belief system, often viewed as a betrayal by the original group.
The story behind the word. From the Greek 'apostasis', meaning 'a standing away' or 'defection'. It was originally used in a political sense before becoming primarily associated with religious desertion.
Word relationships
- renunciation: Renunciation is the act of giving something up; apostasy is specifically giving up a core belief or faith.
- orthodoxy: Orthodoxy is the adherence to accepted creeds or beliefs.
Commonly confused with
- heresy: Heresy is holding a 'wrong' belief within a faith; apostasy is leaving the faith entirely.
Word family
- apostate (noun): A person who renounces a religious or political belief.
Collocations
- commit apostasy
- charge of apostasy
- intellectual apostasy
Example sentences
- "The philosopher's sudden apostasy from the communist party shocked his long-time followers." Discussing intellectual shifts in history.
Memory hook
Apostasy: You 'Post' (stand) 'Away' (Apo) from your old beliefs. Walking away from the altar.
When not to use
Not for minor changes in opinion; it implies a fundamental and public break from a major belief.
Fun facts
- The Roman Emperor Julian (reigned 361–363) is known as 'Julian the Apostate' because he rejected Christianity in favor of Neoplatonic paganism.
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