Apostasy (; (
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. The term
apostasy is used by
sociologists to mean renunciation
and criticism of, or opposition to, a person's former religion, in a technical sense and without pejorative connotation.