Apostatize
/ˈæp.ə.stə.taɪz/noun
To renounce one’s religion, principles, or allegiance.
Did you know?The word comes from a Greek term for a rebel who literally “stands away” from authority, so its history is built around separation, defection, and public betrayal.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*sta-
“to stand”
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἀποστάτης (apostátēs)
“a deserter, rebel, or defector”
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἀποστασία (apostasía)
“rebellion, defection, revolt”
Late Latin
Latin
apostatizare
“to commit apostasy”
14th–15th Century
English
apostatise / apostatize
“to renounce a faith or allegiance”