apostatize

[ uh-pos-tuh-tahyz ]
See synonyms for apostatize on Thesaurus.com
verb (used without object),a·pos·ta·tized, a·pos·ta·tiz·ing.
  1. to commit apostasy.

Origin of apostatize

1
From the Late Latin word apostatīzāre, dating back to 1545–55. See apostate, -ize
  • Also especially British, a·pos·ta·tise .

Other words from apostatize

  • a·pos·ta·tism [uh-pos-tuh-tiz-uhm], /əˈpɒs təˌtɪz əm/, noun
  • un·a·pos·ta·tized, adjective

Words Nearby apostatize

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use apostatize in a sentence

  • He was immediately cast into prison, and alternate threats and promises were employed to induce him to apostatize.

  • Morrice FitzJohn of Desmond was allowed to endeavour to induce them to apostatize and enter the service of their enemy.

    Sir Walter Ralegh | William Stebbing
  • He then returned to Cologne, where he again met Bucer and Melanchthon, who were endeavoring to induce the bishop to apostatize.

    The Jesuits, 1534-1921 | Thomas J. Campbell
  • There is nothing will cause you sooner to apostatize from your Principles, and from your practices, then base fear of men.

    A Vindication of the Presbyteriall-Government and Ministry | Ministers and Elders of the London Provinciall Assembly
  • The revolt in Cagayan in 1718 finishes the mission, for its inhabitants apostatize and take to the mountain.

British Dictionary definitions for apostatize

apostatize

apostatise

/ (əˈpɒstəˌtaɪz) /


verb
  1. (intr) to forsake or abandon one's belief, faith, or allegiance

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012