'apostate' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'apostatēs,' where 'apo-' meant 'away from' and 'stasis' meant 'standing.'

'apostatēs' transformed into the Latin word 'apostata,' and eventually became the modern English word 'apostate' through Old French.

Initially, it meant 'one who stands away from,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'one who renounces a belief.'