abjure
Pronunciation: verb. Synonyms: renounce, relinquish, forgo
verb
Difficulty: advanced
Definition of abjure
To solemnly renounce, reject, or forgo something, particularly a belief, claim, or practice, often under oath or with a sense of moral or legal obligation.
Origin of abjure
Language of origin: Latin
Root word: abjurare
Original meaning: to deny on oath
How it evolved: Initially referred to formal renouncement under oath, often in legal or religious contexts, and later broadened to include any strong rejection.
From the Latin 'abjurare', meaning 'to deny on oath'—a combination of 'ab-' (away) and 'jurare' (to swear).
First known use: 14th century
How to Remember abjure
Think of 'abjure' as saying 'I abhor and adjure this idea!'—you strongly reject it.
Synonyms for abjure
- renounce
- relinquish
- repudiate
- forswear
- disavow
- eschew
- abdicate
- recant
Antonyms of abjure
- embrace
- accept
- affirm
- acknowledge
- endorse
abjure in a Sentence
- Faced with mounting pressure, the politician ultimately abjured his controversial views during the televised debate.
- As part of the peace treaty, both sides agreed to abjure the use of violence in resolving their disputes.
- The ascetic monk abjured all material possessions and devoted his life to spiritual enlightenment.
abjure in Literature & Culture
Abjure is frequently found in literature and historical texts where characters renounce their faith, allegiance, or principles, often after moments of moral or existential crisis.
Usage Notes
Abjure is often used in formal or solemn contexts, such as legal, religious, or philosophical settings. Do not confuse it with 'adjure', which means to earnestly request or urge someone to do something.
Why abjure Matters for GRE & SAT
A high-frequency GRE word that tests comprehension of nuanced rejections, particularly in abstract or formal contexts like philosophies, oaths, or ideologies.
Word Family
- abjuration (noun)
- The act of renouncing or rejecting something, especially under oath.
- abjuratory (adjective)
- Relating to the act of abjuring or renouncing.
- abjuror (noun)
- One who abjures or renounces something.
Did You Know?
- The word 'abjure' was heavily used during the Middle Ages, especially in religious contexts where heretics were often required to abjure their beliefs under threat of punishment.
- In Shakespeare's 'The Tempest', Prospero famously abjures his magical powers in a poignant monologue.
- The word shares its root with 'jury' and 'jurisdiction', emphasizing its connection to formal declarations and the law.
Related Words
More Vocabulary Words Starting with A
- abate — decrease in intensity; lessen
- aberrant — deviating from what is normal or expected
- aberration — A departure from what is normal or expected
- abet — assist or encourage, usually in wrongdoing
- abeyance — suspension; temporary suppression
- abhor — detest or regard with deep hatred
- abide — tolerate, follow, or accept
- abject — most unfortunate or miserable
- abound — [{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"text":"Plenty."}]}]
- abrasive — overly aggressive and causing irritation