A person who abandons their principles, cause, or group to join an opposing side. Someone who rebels against established authority or conventions.
From Spanish renegado, from Medieval Latin renegatus meaning 'denied again', from re- 'again' plus negare 'to deny'. Originally referred specifically to Christians who converted to Islam, later broadened to any kind of defector or rebel.
Originally, 'renegade' was specifically used for Christians who converted to Islam during the medieval period - it was considered the ultimate betrayal! The word carried such strong religious and cultural stigma that it took centuries before it could be used more neutrally for anyone who switches sides.
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