apostacies
|a-pos-ta-sy|
🇺🇸
/əˈpɑːstəsi/
🇬🇧
/əˈpɒstəsi/
(apostasy)
renouncing belief
Etymology
'apostasy' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'ἀποστασία (apostasia)', where 'apo-' meant 'away from' and 'stasis' (from 'histanai') related to 'a standing' or 'standing apart'.
'apostasy' passed into Late Latin as 'apostasia' and then into Old French/Medieval Latin forms before entering Middle English as 'apostasie' and eventually becoming the modern English 'apostasy'.
Initially it denoted 'a standing away' or 'defection' in a general sense; over time it specialized to mean the renunciation or abandonment of a religious (and later also political or ideological) belief.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the abandonment or renunciation of a religious belief, faith, or formal religious affiliation.
Several high-profile apostacies caused a crisis of confidence within the denomination.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Noun 2
a formal or public abandonment of a previously held political, ideological, or other belief system (broader, non-religious usage).
There were several political apostacies during the upheaval, as officials switched loyalties.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/21 22:52