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.