apostasy

The definition of an apostasy is the act of leaving behind, or straying from, your religious or political beliefs or your principles.

(noun)

An example of apostasy is when someone decides to become atheist.

See apostasy in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun pl. apostasies

an abandoning of what one has believed in, as a faith, cause, or principles

Origin: ME apostasie < LL(Ec) apostasia < Gr apo-, away + stasis, a standing: see stasis

See apostasy in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. a·pos·ta·sies

Abandonment of one's religious faith, a political party, one's principles, or a cause.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English apostasie

Origin: , from Old French

Origin: , from Late Latin apostasia, defection

Origin: , from Late Greek apostasiā

Origin: , from Greek apostasis, revolt

Origin: , from aphistanai, aposta-, to revolt

Origin: : apo-, apo-

Origin: + histanai, to stand, place; see stā- in Indo-European roots

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