What does "apostasy" mean?
The renunciation of a belief or set of beliefs.
Apostasy
/əˈpɔs.tə.si/ noun
noun ·Moderate ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The renunciation of a belief or set of beliefs.
- Grammar: apostasy is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: defection, renunciation, abandonment, abjuring.
- Useful contrasts: allegiance, converting, devotion.
- Usage evidence: To the followers of the Daesh terrorist group, all Muslims are guilty of apostasy because they don't recognize the authority of their leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.
How to use "apostasy"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "apostasy" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "apostasy" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "apostasy" as the right word for your sentence.
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "apostasy" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "defection" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The renunciation of a belief or set of beliefs. countable, uncountable
"The apparition of Lawyer Clippurse at the Hall occasioned much speculation in that portion of the world to which Waverley-Honour formed the centre: but the more judicious politicians of this microcosm augured yet worse consequences to Richard Waverley from a movement which shortly followed his apostasy."
- 2 the act of abandoning a party for cause wordnet
- 3 Specifically, the renunciation of one's religion or faith. countable, uncountable
- 4 the state of having rejected your religious beliefs for your political party or a cause (often in favor of opposing beliefs or causes) wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"To the followers of the Daesh terrorist group, all Muslims are guilty of apostasy because they don't recognize the authority of their leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "apostasy"?
Common synonyms include: defection, renunciation, abandonment, abjuring, about face, about-face.
How do you use "apostasy" in a sentence?
To the followers of the Daesh terrorist group, all Muslims are guilty of apostasy because they don't recognize the authority of their leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.
How do you pronounce "apostasy"?
Pronounced /əˈpɔs.tə.si/.
Etymology
From Latin apostasia, from Ancient Greek ἀποστασία (apostasía, “defection, revolt”), from ἀφίστημι (aphístēmi, “I withdraw, revolt”), from ἀπό (apó, “from”) + ἵστημι (hístēmi, “I stand”).