Definitions for "Apostasy"
An abandonment of what one has voluntarily professed; a total desertion of departure from one's faith, principles, or party; esp., the renunciation of a religious faith; as, Julian's apostasy from Christianity.
The act of renouncing faith in something and consequently standing apart from the group who believes.
Apostasy is from the Greek [ apostasia], which means a departing or separating (2nd Thessalonians 2:3). In Christianity it is a forsaking or departing from the faith, principles, or truth, to which the Church previously held (1st Timothy 4:1, Hebrews 3:12). This abandonment or falling away from the faith is an opposite of the protestant reformation, which was the returning to the faith, principles, and truths which the Church formerly held. [ back
Turning away from or leaving the teachings of the gospel.
Keywords:  falling, standing, position
a "falling away" from a standing position