renunciation

abdication

the formal act by a regent of resigning from his position.

abjuration

the act of renouncing upon oath, such as an alien applying for citizenship renouncing allegiance to a former country of nationality.

expatriation

the process of abandoning one’s native land or of being exiled. —expatriate, n., adj., v.

recusance

recusancy. —recusant, adj.

recusancy

resistance to authority or refusal to conform, especially in religious matters, used of English Catholics who refuse to attend the services of the Church of England. Also recusance. —recusant, n., adj.

tergiversation

1. the act or process of subterfuge or evasion.

2. the abandoning of a cause or belief; apostasy. —tergiversator, n.