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Definition of apostasy
apostasies
1 : an act of refusing to continue to follow, obey, or recognize a religious faith
2 : abandonment of a previous loyalty : defection
From the M-W Editors
Recent Examples of apostasy from the Web
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A takfiri is a Muslim who accuses another of apostasy — rhetoric not uncommon among certain Saudi imams when training their ire on Iran's Shiites.
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The group, which espouses a particular harsh interpretation of Islamic law, believes archaeological sites promote apostasy.
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One of Mr. Franklin’s apostasies from old-school central Texas barbecue technique is wrapping meat midway through smoking to keep it from drying out.
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With the president viewed as illegitimate by so many progressive activists, even small compromises will be viewed as apostasy.
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Still, among the Islamic State’s many enemies, Saudi Arabia is the only one that considers the Quran and other religious texts its constitution, criminalizes apostasy and bans all forms of unsanctioned public religion.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'apostasy'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of apostasy
Middle English apostasie, from Late Latin apostasia, from Greek, literally, revolt, from aphistasthai to revolt, from apo- + histasthai to stand — more at stand
Other Christian Religious Terms
Learn More about apostasy
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See words that rhyme with apostasy Spanish Central: Translation of apostasy Nglish: Translation of apostasy for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of apostasy for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about apostasy
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