apostate

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a disloyal person who betrays or deserts his cause or religion or political party or friend etc.
  2. adjective not faithful to religion or party or cause

Etymology

From Late Latin apostata, from Ancient Greek ἀποστάτης (apostátēs, “rebel”), from ἀφίστημι (aphístēmi, “to withdraw, revolt”), from ἀπό (apó, “from”) + ἵστημι (hístēmi, “to stand”).

In classic literature

Synonyms

deserter, renegade, turncoat, recreant, ratter

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