abjure
to formally renounce or rejectThe witness was asked to abjure his previous statement.
The witness was asked to formally reject his previous statement.
To formally renounce or reject something, especially a belief, claim, or allegiance, often under oath.
The defendant was required to abjure his previous testimony.
The defendant was required to formally reject his previous testimony.
She abjured her allegiance to the old regime.
She formally renounced her allegiance to the old regime.
Often used in legal or formal contexts, particularly in historical or ceremonial settings.
Collocations
Pro Tip
Formal Usage
Use 'abjure' in formal or legal contexts, such as court proceedings or official declarations.
Gold Rule
Legal Context
'Abjure' is often used in legal or ceremonial contexts to describe a formal rejection or renunciation.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'abjuren,' from Old French 'abjurer,' from Latin 'abjūrāre,' meaning 'to swear away,' from 'ab-' (away) + 'jūrāre' (to swear).
Usage Notes
Primarily used in formal or legal contexts, often implying a solemn or official rejection.