apostasy
uh-POS-tuh-see
/əˈpɒstəsi/
The formal abandonment or renunciation of a religious or political belief or principle.
Refers to a complete departure or standing away from one's former faith, distinct from minor disagreement.
The story behind the word. Formed from Greek 'apo-' (away) and 'stasis' (standing, position), 'apostasis' literally meant 'standing away from' or military desertion. Early Greek translators of the Old Testament used it for political rebellion, but early Christian authors adopted it to mean walking away from faith—literally stepping away from where you once stood.
Word relationships
- renunciation: The formal rejection of a belief or claim.
- defection: Desertion of an allegiance to a group or country, often with political connotations.
- allegiance: Loyalty or commitment to a superior or group.
- adherence: Continued belief in or support for a faith or doctrine.
Commonly confused with
- heresy: Heresy is holding unauthorized beliefs within a system; apostasy is abandoning the system entirely.
Word family
- apostate (noun): A person who renounces a religious or political belief.
- apostatize (verb): To abandon one's religious or political beliefs.
Collocations
- commit apostasy
- guilty of apostasy
- political apostasy
- charge of apostasy
Example sentences
- "His public declaration of apostasy created a scandal within his conservative religious community." Religious transition study
Memory hook
Apostasy = standing Apo (away) from your original position. Apostasy = stepping away from faith.
When not to use
Do not use for someone who merely neglects religious practice; apostasy requires an intentional, decisive departure or repudiation.
Fun facts
- Julian the Apostate was a 4th-century Roman Emperor who famously renounced Christianity and tried to restore traditional Hellenistic polytheism.
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