apostasy

Definitions

Greek apo- (away from) + sta (a Greek form of the 'stand' family, histēmi) = 'a standing away from.' To commit apostasy is to take your stand somewhere else — to step away from the faith you once stood within.

Why It Means This

Apostasy comes from Greek rather than Latin, but the core image is the same 'stand' root. Where Latin gave us obstinate ('standing against') and constant ('standing together'), Greek gave apostasy: literally standing away. The same physical metaphor of where you plant your feet underlies your loyalty.

Common Collocations

• 1.accused of apostasy被控叛教
• 2.religious apostasy宗教叛离
• 3.act of apostasy背叛之举

Example Sentences

• 1.

  He was accused of apostasy for abandoning the church.

• 2.

  In some countries, apostasy is still treated as a crime.

• 3.

  Critics called her policy shift an act of political apostasy.