apostatize

verb

apos·​ta·​tize ə-ˈpä-stə-ˌtīz How to pronounce apostatize (audio)
apostatized; apostatizing

Examples of apostatize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In one of the more powerful sequences, three older men are hung from crosses positioned deep in the ocean’s waters — the thrashing waves killing them slowly for their refusal to apostatize. Lindsey Bahr, Orange County Register, 6 Jan. 2017 The conundrum is one that has nothing to do with Rodrigues’ decision whether to lay down his life, but with his reluctance to apostatize, even in the face of others’ deaths. Michael O'Sullivan, The Denver Post, 6 Jan. 2017 Savannah's mom left the church in 2015, when leaked official documents confirmed their policy of apostatizing same-sex couples. Caroline Picard, Good Housekeeping, 20 June 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'apostatize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin apostatizāre, variant (with -izāre -ize) of Late Latin apostatāre, verbal derivative of apostata "rebel against God, apostate"

First Known Use

1552, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of apostatize was in 1552

Dictionary Entries Near apostatize

Cite this Entry

“Apostatize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apostatize. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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