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apostasy
[ uh-pos-tuh-see ]
noun
- a total desertion of or departure from one's religion, principles, party, cause, etc.
apostasy
/ əˈpɒstəsɪ /
noun
- abandonment of one's religious faith, party, a cause, etc
Word History and Origins
Word History and Origins
Origin of apostasy1
Example Sentences
She is facing discipline for charges of apostasy, or public dissent from church leaders.
Have a look at this telling research from Pew on blasphemy and apostasy laws around the world.
Khartoum says Meriam Ibrahim, a Christian, must hang for “apostasy.”
Saudi Arabia has recently beheaded women for “sorcery” but has avoided apostasy trials involving its few Christian converts.
No one is known to have been executed for apostasy in Sudan since 1991, when it was made a capital crime.
I reached Goldwater by phone in Hawaii where he is lecturing at the university to ask him about his apparent apostasy.
Thy own wickedness shall reprove thee, and thy apostasy shall rebuke thee.
Have we not here one of the plainest admissions of the total apostasy of the so-called Christian church?
They were framed with malignant ingenuity, so as to leave no chance of escape save in open apostasy.
Michael, however, looked very doubtful over his demanded apostasy.
True, Cranmer came to himself; he perceived that he was mocked, and felt both grief and shame in view of his apostasy.
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More About Apostasy
What does apostasy mean?
Apostasy is the act of totally abandoning or rejecting one’s religion (or the state of having abandoned or rejected it).
It can also be used in a slightly more general way to refer to the act of totally abandoning or rejecting one’s principles, cause, party, or other organization.
The word typically implies that before the rejection, one had a strong connection or involvement. Someone who abandons their religion or cause in this way can be called an apostate. Both apostasy and apostate are usually used in a way that’s critical of such abandonment—or that at least implies that others who remain in the religion or cause are critical of the departure.
Apostasy is sometimes used more specifically to refer to a rejection of Christianity, but the term is also used in the context of other religions, such as Islam.
A common misspelling of apostasy is apostacy.
Example: The pastor’s sermon condemned apostasy—the trouble is, the apostates weren’t there to hear it.
Where does apostasy come from?
The first records of the word apostasy come from the 1300s. It comes from the Late Latin apostasia, meaning “a standing away” or “withdrawing,” from the Greek apóstas(is), “desertion.” The root apo- means “away,” “off,” or “apart.” (Apo– is also used in the similar-sounding but mostly unrelated word apostle, which comes from a Greek term meaning “one who is sent forth.”)
Apostasy is the act or state of standing away from something (or someone) that you used to stand with. Most frequently, apostasy refers to the total rejection of a belief system that you used to subscribe to, especially a religious one. Even when it’s used in other ways, such departures are likened in seriousness to a rejection of one’s religion. For example, a politician who leaves their party for a rival one might be accused of apostasy or labeled an apostate. On the other hand, heresy (which can also be used in a literal or more figurative way) refers to the rejection or contradiction of a certain belief or doctrine within a religion or other system without abandoning it completely.
Did you know ... ?
What are some other forms related to apostasy?
- apostasies (plural)
- apostate (noun, adjective)
- apostatize (verb)
What are some synonyms for apostasy?
What are some words that share a root or word element with apostasy?
What are some words that often get used in discussing apostasy?
How is apostasy used in real life?
Apostasy is usually used seriously and negatively. It’s most often used in reference to religion, but it’s also used in politics and other contexts.
(1/2) Shortly before my disfellowshipping became final, I was offered the opportunity to delete all of my Ex-JW social media accounts, cease my "spreading of apostasy", and offer an apology to the branch. And I'd get away with only a private reproof.
— David Morgan (@David_R_Morgan) June 1, 2020
I had a family member once tell me “be careful. Feminism is the road to apostasy.” I mean, I guess they weren’t wrong. 🤷🏻♀️
— Anonymous Inactive Mormon (@InactiveMormon) December 2, 2019
"Excommunication from his own party for apostasy" here means "he might lose a primary." https://t.co/rAN5WeGLxT
— derek davison (@dwdavison) March 20, 2018
Try using apostasy!
Which of the following actions is NOT associated with apostasy?
A. renunciation
B. rejection
C. acceptance
D. abandonment
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