Backsliders

/ˌbækˈslaɪdɚz/ noun

Definition

Plural of backslider; multiple people who have returned to bad behavior or abandoned previously held beliefs.

Etymology

Regular plural of 'backslider,' formed by adding '-s.' Used historically in religious contexts to describe groups of faithless believers.

Kelly Says

Historical sermons often warned about 'backsliders' as a group threat to the community—the word suggests they're contagious, that one person's regression might infect others' faith.

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