noun / adjective
apostate
uh-PAH-stayt/əˈpɑːsteɪt/
Someone who has abandoned a belief or allegiance, or describing such a person.
The apostate rejects the devotional objects associated with his former faith.
Etymology
“Standing away” became an image of defection or desertion. An apostate is someone who has withdrawn allegiance from a religion, party, or belief previously followed.
In context
I spit in the face of my God! all this for thee, enchantress! to be more worthy of thy hell! And you will not have the apostate!
More examples
- Religious leaders condemned the apostate preacher.
- The novel follows an apostate who rejects his inherited faith.
- Several political apostates joined the opposition.
Forms
apostate · apostates
Similar words
- heretic
- Rejects accepted doctrine without necessarily leaving the faith.
- defector
- Usually abandons a political group, country, or organization.