The act of abandoning or rejecting one's religion, political beliefs, or deeply held principles.
From Greek 'apostasia' (standing away from, defection), from 'apo-' (away) + 'stasis' (standing, position). It entered English through Latin and Old French in medieval times, primarily describing religious rejection.
Throughout history, apostasy has been one of the most dangerous accusations—Giordano Bruno was burned at the stake for apostasy, showing how seriously societies took faith commitment, or the rejection of it.
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