apostasy

American  

[uh-pos-tuh-see] / əˈpɒs tə si /

noun

PLURAL

apostasies

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

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apostasy British  

/ əˈpɒstəsɪ /

noun

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

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Usage

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.

Etymology

Origin of apostasy

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

Example Sentences

They each fled the country after converting to Christianity from Islam, which Iran's Shariah law classifies apostasy punishable by death, and sought refuge in the U.S. to practice their newfound faith freely.

From Salon

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

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

He is part of the Argentine Coalition for a Secular State that is leading an apostasy movement.

From Seattle Times