apostasy

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun the state of having rejected your religious beliefs or your political party or a cause (often in favor of opposing beliefs or causes)
  2. noun the act of abandoning a party for cause

Etymology

From Latin apostasia, from Ancient Greek ἀποστασία (apostasía, “defection, revolt”), from ἀφίστημι (aphístēmi, “to withdraw, revolt”), from ἀπό (apó, “from”) + ἵστημι (hístēmi, “to stand”).

In classic literature

Synonyms

renunciation, defection

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