The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

abjure

IPA:

Dictionary definition of abjure

To renounce or reject something, typically under oath or with solemnity.
"The monks take a vow to abjure worldly possessions and lead an ascetic life."

Detailed meaning of abjure

The term is derived from the Latin word "abjurare," which means "to swear away." When someone abjures something, they publicly declare that they will no longer support or believe in it, often because they have changed their mind or have been persuaded to do so. Abjuring can be done in a legal or religious context, such as when a person renounces a former religion or allegiance, or when they confess to a crime and swear to never commit it again. Abjuring can also be used in a more general sense, such as when someone abjures a harmful habit or a toxic relationship.

Example sentences containing abjure

1. She had to abjure her allegiance to the rival faction.
2. He was forced to abjure his previous beliefs in court.
3. The oath required him to abjure any ties to the secret society.
4. To gain citizenship, he had to abjure his allegiance to his homeland.
5. The accused had to abjure any involvement in the conspiracy.
6. The witness was asked to abjure any false testimony.

History and etymology of abjure

The verb 'abjure' has its roots in Latin, specifically from the word 'abjurare.' It is formed by combining 'ab,' meaning 'away from,' and 'jurare,' meaning 'to swear' or 'to take an oath.' In its original Latin usage, 'abjurare' referred to the act of renouncing something under oath or with solemnity. It carried the idea of formally and solemnly rejecting a belief, allegiance, or association. As the term made its way into English, it retained this fundamental meaning, describing the action of renouncing or rejecting something, typically with a solemn commitment. The etymology of 'abjure' underscores the concept of a solemn oath or renunciation, emphasizing the seriousness and commitment associated with the act of formally rejecting or disavowing something.

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Further usage examples of abjure

1. In the ceremony, she had to abjure her old way of life.
2. The initiation ritual required him to abjure all worldly possessions.
3. As part of the pact, they had to abjure any future claims.
4. The court demanded that he abjure any association with the criminal.
5. The priest asked her to abjure her sins and seek redemption.
6. To join the order, he had to abjure his worldly desires.
7. She had to abjure her family's traditions to follow her own path.
8. In the court of law, he had to abjure his criminal past.
9. The politician was pressured to abjure his controversial remarks.
10. The athlete had to abjure doping to compete in the tournament.
11. The defendant was asked to abjure any involvement in the theft.
12. She had to abjure her previous loyalties to join the new party.
13. To become a citizen, he had to abjure his foreign citizenship.
14. As part of the initiation, they had to abjure all personal possessions.
15. As part of his parole, the convict must abjure his former gang affiliations.
16. To join the peace movement, members must abjure violence in all forms.
17. It is difficult for a person addicted to smoking to abjure tobacco products.
18. The prince was asked to abjure his claim to the throne in order to prevent a civil war.
19. The new religious convert decided to abjure his previous beliefs and fully embrace his newfound faith.
20. The activist urged the government to abjure the use of harmful pesticides in agriculture.
21. In the witness protection program, participants often have to abjure their old identities to ensure their safety.
22. Environmentalists are urging society to abjure single-use plastics to reduce pollution.
23. The dietitian suggested that the patient abjure excessive sugar to improve his health.
24. The prisoner abjured his criminal past and started a new life after release.
25. For her New Year's resolution, Lisa decided to abjure negative thoughts and focus on positivity.
26. In the diplomatic negotiation, the country agreed to abjure its nuclear weapons program in exchange for economic aid.