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. web1913

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}] wn