Apostasy (noun)

The abandonment or renunciation of a religious or political belief or principle.

Origin:

From the late latin apostasia, from the greek ἀποστασία (apostasia, "defection, revolt, rebellion"), from ἀποστάτης (apostatēs, "rebel, traitor") + -ία (-ia), from the idea of abandoning one"s religious faith or political belief.

Examples:

1. He was accused of apostasy and exiled from the country.
2. The punishment for apostasy in some countries is severe, including death.
3. Apostasy is considered a grave sin by some religions.
4. The act of converting to another religion is considered apostasy by some.
5. The apostasy of the leader caused a split in the organization.