Abjured is a word that is not commonly used in everyday language, but it is still an important word to know. It is a verb that means to renounce, reject or abandon something, especially a belief or a claim. This article will explore the different definitions and meanings of abjured, its origin, and its associations.
Definitions
The word abjured has a few different definitions. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, abjured means to renounce or give up a belief or claim, especially under oath. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines abjured as to renounce or retract, especially with formal solemnity. In simpler terms, abjured means to give up or reject something, often with a sense of formality or solemnity.
Origin
The word abjured comes from the Latin word abjurare, which means to deny or renounce under oath. The word first appeared in English in the 15th century and has been in use ever since.
Meaning in different dictionaries
Different dictionaries may have slightly different definitions of abjured, but they all generally agree that it means to renounce or reject something. The Oxford English Dictionary emphasizes the idea of doing so under oath, while Merriam-Webster emphasizes the idea of doing so with formal solemnity.
Associations
The word abjured is often associated with legal proceedings, particularly those that involve oaths or solemn declarations. It is also associated with religious or philosophical beliefs, as people may abjure their previous beliefs in order to adopt new ones. In some contexts, abjured may be used to describe someone who has given up a bad habit or addiction.
Synonyms
There are a number of synonyms for abjured, including renounce, reject, repudiate, disavow, disown, and forsake. These words all convey a sense of giving up or letting go of something, often with a sense of formality or solemnity.
Antonyms
The antonyms of abjured include affirm, assert, maintain, and uphold. These words convey a sense of standing by something, rather than giving it up or rejecting it.
The same root words
The word abjured comes from the Latin word abjurare, which also gives us the words abjure, adjure, and perjure. Abjure means to renounce or reject under oath, while adjure means to urge or command someone to do something. Perjure means to lie under oath, which is the opposite of abjured.
Example Sentences
Here are a few example sentences that use the word abjured:
- The defendant abjured his previous statement and admitted to the crime.
- After years of addiction, he finally abjured his drug habit and started a new life.
- The politician abjured his previous position on the issue and adopted a new one.
- The religious convert abjured his former beliefs and embraced a new faith.
- She abjured her claim to the inheritance in order to avoid a legal battle.