Apostate

Noun

Definition: One who abandons long-held religious or political convictions.

Synonyms: Defector, Deserter, Renegade

Antonyms: Loyalist, Adherent, Devotee

Examples:
  • After years of devout belief, he became an apostate and left the church.
  • The political party labeled him an apostate when he switched sides.
Mnemonics:
  • "Apos" sounds similar to "oppose," which symbolizes abandoning previous convictions.

Etymology:

Origin:

Late Middle English from ecclesiastical Latin 'apostata', from Greek 'apostatēs', from 'aphistanai' (meaning "to stand away" or "to revolt").

Historical Usage:

The term has its roots in the context of religious and political dissent, particularly in Christianity and ancient Greek society.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Fallen apostate"

Explanation:

Referring to someone who not only abandoned their beliefs but also actively opposes and denounces them.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Apostate is solely related to religious abandonment.

Explanation:

While commonly associated with religious dissent, the term encompasses abandonment of both religious and political convictions.

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