Which vocabulary word refers to a rejection of a prior belief?

The word that refers to a rejection of a prior belief is "recant." To recant means to formally withdraw or repudiate a statement or belief that one previously held. It is often used in contexts where an individual, perhaps under pressure or after reflection, decides that their previous assertions or convictions are no longer valid or true. This can occur in religious, scientific, or personal contexts where a change of mind or heart is significant and repudiated publicly.

The other options do not convey this meaning. "Redoubtable" describes someone or something formidable, often in a way that commands respect or fear. "Exhort" means to urge someone strongly or encourage them to take action, and does not imply any repudiation of beliefs. "Exposition" refers to a comprehensive description or explanation of an idea or theory, which is unrelated to rejecting previous beliefs. Therefore, in the context of the question, "recant" stands out as the precise term for renouncing a former belief.