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

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

Among them is Lin Pao Rafetta, who is part of the Argentine Coalition for a Secular State, which has led the apostasy movement.

From Seattle Times

According to Harvard University’s Gutman Library, the government of Quincy, Massachusetts in 1637 banned Thomas Morton’s “The New English Canaan” for apostasy in criticizing Puritan customs and exercise of power.

From Washington Times

Still, I pressed on to see where the author was going with this horticultural apostasy.

From Seattle Times