The word adjure has a unique sound and is not commonly used in everyday conversation. However, it has an important meaning and is often used in legal contexts. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of adjure, its origin, and its associations.
Definitions
The word adjure is a verb that means to command or urge someone to do something. It is often used in a legal context, where it can mean to require someone to take an oath or to testify under oath. It can also mean to solemnly appeal to someone or to ask them to do something with great earnestness.
Origin
The word adjure comes from the Latin word adjurare, which means to swear to, or to take an oath. It was first used in English in the 14th century and has been used in legal contexts ever since.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, adjure means “to command or urge solemnly or earnestly.” The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines it as “to command or enjoin solemnly, as under oath or penalty of a curse,” while the Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “to order someone to do something or to behave in a particular way, especially by making them promise to do so in a formal or solemn way.”
Associations
Adjuration is often associated with legal proceedings, such as taking an oath to tell the truth in court. It can also be associated with religious or spiritual contexts, where someone might adjure another to follow a certain path or to behave in a certain way.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for adjure include command, urge, implore, beseech, and entreat.
Antonyms
Some antonyms for adjure include ignore, neglect, dismiss, and disregard.
The same root words
The word adjure comes from the Latin word adjurare, which means to swear to or to take an oath. Other words that have the same root include perjury, which means to lie under oath, and abjure, which means to renounce or reject something, often under oath.
Example Sentences
- The judge adjured the witness to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
- The priest adjured the congregation to follow the path of righteousness.
- The lawyer adjured his client to be honest in court.
- The king adjured his subjects to be loyal and faithful to the crown.
- The prophet adjured the people to turn away from their wicked ways and seek redemption.