Apostasy

Pronunciation
a* pos"ta* sy

Noun

 * 1) The renunciation of a belief or set of beliefs.
 * 2) Specifically, the renunciation of one's religion or faith.

Synonyms

 * (renunciation of religion or faith): backsliding, conversion, deconversion
 * (renunciation of a set of beliefs): defection, disaffection, estrangement

Related terms

 * apostate
 * apostatise
 * deconvert

Thesaurus
about-face; accommodation; adaptation; adjustment; agreement to disagree; alienation; alteration; amelioration; atheism; backsliding; betrayal; betterment; bolt; break; breakaway; change; change of heart; changeableness; constructive change; continuity; conversion; counter-culture; crossing-over; defection; degeneration; degenerative change; dereliction; deserter; desertion; deterioration; deviation; difference; disaccord; disagreement; disapprobation; disapproval; discontinuity; disloyalty; disparity; dissatisfaction; dissension; dissent; dissentience; dissidence; divergence; diversification; diversion; diversity; dropping out; faithlessness; fall from grace; falseness; fitting; flip-flop; going over; gradual change; impiety; impiousness; improvement; irreligion; irreverence; lapse; lapse from grace; melioration; minority opinion; mitigation; modification; modulation; new theology; nonagreement; nonassent; nonconcurrence; nonconformity; nonconsent; opposition; overthrow; perfidy; qualification; radical change; ratting; re-creation; realignment; recidivation; recidivism; recreancy; recusance; recusancy; redesign; reform; reformation; rejection; remaking; renewal; renunciation; repudiation; reshaping; restructuring; reversal; revival; revivification; revolution; schism; secession; shift; sudden change; switch; tergiversation; total change; transition; treacherousness; treason; turn; turnabout; turning traitor; underground; undutifulness; upheaval; variance; variation; variety; violent change; walkout; withdrawal; worsening