What does apostate mean?
An apostate is a person who formally renounces or abandons a religious faith, political allegiance, or set of beliefs they once held. The term derives from the Greek 'apostasia', meaning a standing away or defection, and entered English through Late Latin and Old French. While most commonly associated with religion — describing someone who converts away from a faith they once professed — the word is also applied figuratively to those who defect from political movements, ideologies, or causes. It carries a strong connotation of betrayal, often implying not merely a change of opinion but a repudiation of something to which the person had been publicly committed. In many historical and contemporary religious traditions, apostasy has been treated with particular severity, sometimes attracting formal punishment or social ostracism. The word remains formal in register, appearing frequently in journalism, history, theology, and political commentary when describing high-profile defections or ideological reversals.
A person who renounces or abandons a religious faith, political party, cause, or set of principles they once held.
"He was condemned as an apostate after publicly rejecting the doctrines he had once preached."
Often used pejoratively within the community that was abandoned.
Relating to or characteristic of apostasy; having abandoned one's former religious faith or political allegiance.
"The apostate monk was excommunicated from the monastery."
Standard plural form, following regular English noun pluralization.
"Throughout history, apostates have often faced harsh persecution from the communities they left behind."
The word 'apostate' literally means someone who has 'stood away' from their former beliefs in ancient Greek — making it one of the oldest words we have for intellectual betrayal.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of apostate
The word 'apostate' traces back to the Greek 'apostates', derived from 'aphistēnai', meaning to stand away or withdraw, formed from 'apo-' (away from) and 'histēnai' (to stand). It passed into Latin as 'apostata' and then into Old French before entering English around the late Middle Ages. The same Greek root gives us related words including 'apostle' (one who is sent forth) and 'apostasy' (the act itself), all sharing the core idea of movement or standing relative to a position or belief.
Related word forms
How apostate is actually used
Formal register; often carries a strongly negative connotation, especially within religious contexts where it implies betrayal rather than mere change of mind. Commonly used of religious defection but also extended metaphorically to politics, ideology, and personal loyalties. The adjective form (e.g., 'an apostate priest') is also well attested.
Easily confused with apostate
'Apostate' is the noun for a person who abandons a belief or faith, while 'apostasy' is the noun for the act or state of abandonment itself.
An 'apostle' is a messenger or early Christian teacher sent to spread a doctrine, whereas an 'apostate' is one who rejects the doctrine they previously followed — despite both deriving from the Greek root meaning 'to stand away'.