Apostasy meaning

ə-pŏstə-sē
Frequency:
The definition of an apostasy is the act of leaving behind, or straying from, your religious or political beliefs or your principles.

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

noun
20
2
An abandoning of what one has believed in, as a faith, cause, or principles.
noun
16
2
Abandonment of one's religious faith, a political party, one's principles, or a cause.
noun
15
4
Specifically, the renunciation of one's religion or faith.
noun
9
1
The renunciation of a belief or set of beliefs.
noun
8
2
Advertisement

Origin of apostasy

  • Middle English apostasie from Old French from Late Latin apostasia defection from Late Greek apostasiā from Greek apostasis revolt from aphistanai aposta- to revolt apo- apo- histanai to stand, place stā- in Indo-European roots

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • From Latin apostasia, from Ancient Greek ἀποστασία (apostasia, “defection, revolt”), from ἀφίστημι (aphistēmi, “I withdraw, revolt”), from ἀπό (apo, “from”) + ἵστημι (histēmi, “I stand”)

    From Wiktionary