Apostasy (/əˈpɒstəsi/) is a noun that refers to the act of abandoning a religious or political belief. The word originates from Late Latin apostasia, which comes from the Greek word apo, meaning "away from", and stasis, meaning "standing". The spelling of the word uses the letter 'a' followed by 'o' to represent the sound /əʊ/. The 's' and 't' in the middle are pronounced separately, creating the sound /st/. The final 'y' represents the sound /i/. This is a commonly misspelled word due to its complexity.
Apostasy is a noun that refers to the abandonment or renunciation of one's religious, political, or ideological beliefs, principles, or faith. It involves a deliberate act of turning away from a previously held conviction or commitment. This term is commonly associated with religious contexts, specifically within the realm of faith or doctrine. It signifies the act of deviating from or rejecting established religious teachings, practices, or doctrines, often resulting in a separation from the religious community or group.
In religious contexts, apostasy is viewed differently across various faiths and can have severe consequences. Some religions perceive apostasy as a grave sin, resulting in excommunication or alienation from the religious community, while others may consider it a form of betrayal or heresy. The reasons for apostasy can vary, ranging from personal disillusionment or disagreement with religious interpretations to embracing alternative belief systems or becoming non-religious altogether.
However, apostasy is not limited to religious spheres and can also be observed in political or ideological realms. In these cases, it refers to the rejection or abandonment of one's previously held political or ideological beliefs, often due to a change in personal convictions, societal influences, or disillusionment with a particular movement or ideology.
Overall, apostasy signifies a significant shift or departure from one's religious, political, or ideological affiliations, reflecting a conscious decision to abandon or renounce previously held beliefs or principles.
A departure from a former profession or belief.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "apostasy" comes from the Greek term "apostasia" (ἀποστασία), which is derived from the verb "aphístēmi" (ἀφίστημι). "Aphístēmi" combines two Greek elements: "apo", which means "away" or "from", and "hístēmi", meaning "to stand". The literal meaning of "apostasia" is "to stand away" or "to stand apart". Over time, the term evolved to refer to a deliberate or intentional abandonment or renunciation of one's religious beliefs or principles. In English, "apostasy" first appeared in the early 14th century.