apostatize

Definitions

Greek apo- (away) + sta- (stand) + -ize = 'to take a stand away.' An apostate literally 'stands off/away' from the faith they once held. The verb apostatize is to make that defection.

Why It Means This

This is the Greek branch of the stand root: sta- (as in static, apostasy) is the Greek cousin of Latin stāre. apo- + sta- gives the image of physically stepping out of the circle of believers.

Example Sentences

• 1.

  Under persecution, some chose to apostatize rather than face death.