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apostasy

noun/əˈpɑːstəsi/

definition

the abandonment or renunciation of a religious or political belief

example

His sudden apostasy shocked his family, who had always believed in the strict teachings of their faith.

synonyms
defectionrenunciationdesertion
word origin — The word 'apostasy' comes from the Late Latin 'apostasia', which is derived from the Greek 'ἀποστασία' (apostasia), meaning 'defection, revolt', from 'ἀποστάτης' (apostates) meaning 'fugitive, rebel', from 'ἀποστᾶναι' (apostanai) meaning 'to stand away from'.

apostasy, noegenesis, oncogenesis, caesura, obdormition: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Word Ultra set 149. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

  1. apostasy · noun/əˈpɑːstəsi/

    the abandonment or renunciation of a religious or political belief

    His sudden apostasy shocked his family, who had always believed in the strict teachings of their faith.

    Synonyms: defection, renunciation, desertion

    Origin: The word 'apostasy' comes from the Late Latin 'apostasia', which is derived from the Greek 'ἀποστασία' (apostasia), meaning 'defection, revolt', from 'ἀποστάτης' (apostates) meaning 'fugitive, rebel', from 'ἀποστᾶναι' (apostanai) meaning 'to stand away from'.

  2. noegenesis · noun/noʊ.əˈdʒɛn.ɪ.sɪs/

    the process of generating new knowledge or understanding

    The university's research initiatives are a key driver of noegenesis, fostering an environment where innovative ideas can flourish.

    Synonyms: knowledge creation, knowledge generation, understanding development

    Origin: Greek 'noesis' meaning 'understanding' combined with 'genesis' meaning 'origin' or 'creation'

  3. oncogenesis · noun/ˌɑn.kəˈdʒɛn.ə.sɪs/

    the process by which normal cells transform into cancer cells

    The study focused on the molecular mechanisms of oncogenesis, revealing key pathways that lead to cancer development.

    Synonyms: tumorigenesis, cancerogenesis, neoplasia

    Origin: from 'onco-' meaning 'tumor' and 'genesis' meaning 'creation or origin'

  4. caesura · noun/sɪˈzjʊrə/

    a pause or break in a line of verse

    The poet created a powerful caesura in the middle of the line, allowing readers to feel the weight of the emotion conveyed.

    Synonyms: pause, break, interruption

    Origin: Latin 'caesura', meaning 'a cutting' or 'a break'

  5. obdormition · noun/ɑbˌdɔrˈmɪʃən/

    the state of being asleep or in a state of numbness due to pressure on a nerve

    After leaning against the wall for too long, I experienced a brief obdormition in my arm, leaving it numb and tingly.

    Synonyms: sleep, numbness, insensibility

    Origin: Late Latin 'obdormitio', from 'obdormire' meaning 'to sleep'