Hypertext Webster Gateway: "apostasy"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Apostasy \A*pos"ta*sy\, n.; pl. {Apostasies}. [OE. apostasie, F.
apostasie, L. apostasia, fr. Gr. ? a standing off from, a
defection, fr. ? to stand off, revolt; ? from + ? to stand.
See {Off} and {Stand}.]
An abandonment of what one has voluntarily professed; a total
desertion of departure from one's faith, principles, or
party; esp., the renunciation of a religious faith; as,
Julian's apostasy from Christianity.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
apostasy
n 1: the state of having rejected your religious beliefs or your
political party or a cause (often in favor of opposing
beliefs or causes) [syn: {renunciation}, {defection}]
2: the act of abandoning a party or cause [syn: {tergiversation}]
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