Apostasy
/əˈpɒs.tə.si/noun
The abandonment or renunciation of a religious or political belief, principle, or allegiance.
Did you know?Its deepest roots are Greek: a term for physically “standing away” became the word for spiritual defection, so the idea of leaving a faith was once imagined like stepping out of formation.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἀποστασία (apostasia)
“A standing away, defection, revolt, or desertion.”
Late Greek / Early Christian
Greek
ἀποστάτης (apostatēs)
“One who deserts or rebels, especially from a religious cause.”
Late Latin
Latin
apostasia
“Defection from faith; religious revolt.”
Old French
Old French
apostasie
“Religious defection or abandonment of belief.”
Middle English
English
apostasie / apostasy
“Renunciation of a religion or faith.”
Modern English
English
apostasy
“The abandonment of a religious or political belief or allegiance.”
Explore more surprising origins