apostasy

[ uh-pos-tuh-see ]

noun

, plural a·pos·ta·sies.

1. a total desertion of or departure from one's religion, principles, party, cause, etc.

apostasy

/ əˈpɒstəsɪ /

noun

1. abandonment of one's religious faith, party, a cause, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of apostasy¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English apostasye, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin apostasia, from Greek: “defection, revolt, withdrawal,” from apóstas(is) (equivalent to apo- apo- + stásis stasis ) + -ia -ia

Word History and Origins

Origin of apostasy¹

C14: from Church Latin apostasia, from Greek apostasis desertion, from apostanai to stand apart from, desert

Example Sentences

Ethnic Malays account for two-thirds of the country’s 33 million people and must be Muslims, with apostasy considered a sin.

From Seattle Times

Longstreet’s prominence made his apostasy an especially dangerous threat.

From Slate

He said the formation of the state of Israel in 1948 and a growing “apostasy” among Christian churches have triggered interest in apocalyptic Scriptures.

From Washington Times

Acts of “apostasy,” or formally quitting the church as Gala did, are on the rise in Poland.

From Seattle Times

A Facebook group ’’Apostasy 2020,” which advises members on their legal rights and church procedures, has over 22,000 subscribers; other groups seek to help parents whose children face pressure to attend religion lessons in public schools.

From Seattle Times