. . . . . . . "Apostasy (/\u0259\u02C8p\u0252st\u0259si/; Greek: \u1F00\u03C0\u03BF\u03C3\u03C4\u03B1\u03C3\u03AF\u03B1 (apostasia), \"a defection or revolt\") is the formal disaffiliation from, or abandonment or renunciation of a religion by a person. It can also be defined within the broader context of embracing an opinion contrary to one's previous beliefs. One who commits apostasy (or who apostatizes) is known as an apostate."@en .