More than rejection
Learn why abjure implies solemnity, finality, principle, or public declaration.
Open definition →Formal verb · public rejection · sworn renunciation
To reject with gravity.
Abjure means to renounce, reject, or forswear solemnly—historically, often under oath.
Lexical record
ABJURE
verb · abjured · abjuring
To renounce upon oath; to reject solemnly; to abstain from.
Not to be confused with adjure.
Verbpart of speech
Early 1400sEnglish history
Latin rootsoath and law
Formal registermodern usage
Begin with the word
Meaning, use, and the force behind it.
Examples that sound natural
Study sentences from modern, historical, literary, legal, and political contexts.
Read examples →Abjure or adjure?
One means renounce. The other means urge earnestly. Learn the difference.
Compare the words →Historical archive
When words changed status, loyalty, and fate.
Abjuration appears in stories of belief, allegiance, citizenship, office, conscience, coercion, and survival.
Enter the history archiveOaths
Why the original meaning is inseparable from sworn rejection.
Explore oaths →Religion
Recantation, heresy, conscience, conformity, and coercion.
Explore context →Law & politics
Allegiance, office, citizenship, and public declarations.
Read more →Etymology
How Latin oath language became formal English.
Trace the word →Use it well
A writer’s working reference.
Synonyms
Renounce, recant, repudiate, retract, forswear, and disavow compared.
Compare synonyms →Grammar
Master abjure, abjures, abjured, abjuring, abjuration, and abjurer.
Study grammar →Vocabulary quiz
Test the distinctions that make formal writing accurate.
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