noun
apostasy
uh-POS-tuh-see
Apostasy (noun) means the act of giving up or renouncing a religious faith that one previously held. Example: “In some countries apostasy is still treated as a criminal offence.”
noun
1
The act of giving up or renouncing a religious faith that one previously held.
"In some countries apostasy is still treated as a criminal offence."
"Her family regarded her decision to leave the church as apostasy."
2
The abandonment of a political cause, party or set of principles one formerly supported.
"Voting with the opposition was, to his old allies, plain apostasy."
"The memoir was read as an act of ideological apostasy."
How to use apostasy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTurning your back on a religion or cause you once believed in.
When to use it
Formal, and often disapproving: it is a label applied by those left behind rather than one people usually claim for themselves.
Memory tip
A person who commits apostasy is an apostate, and the adjective is apostate as well.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
accused of apostasy
charge of apostasy
act of apostasy
laws against apostasy
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In some countries _____ is still treated as a criminal offence.
Etymology
From Greek apostasis 'defection, revolt', literally a standing away, from apo 'away from' and stasis 'a standing'.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for apostasy
See all rhymes for apostasy →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between apostasy and heresy?
Apostasy is leaving the faith altogether, while heresy is staying within it but holding beliefs the religion rejects. A heretic still claims membership of the tradition; an apostate no longer does.
Is apostasy the same as blasphemy?
No. Blasphemy is speech or action that insults what a religion holds sacred, and someone can commit it without ever having belonged to that faith. Apostasy requires having held the belief first and then abandoning it.
What is the meaning of apostasy?
"apostasy" (noun) means the act of giving up or renouncing a religious faith that one previously held.
What is another word for apostasy?
Other words for "apostasy" include renunciation, defection, backsliding, recantation, tergiversation, betrayal.
