abjure
C2formal, literary, legal
Definition
Meaning
To formally and solemnly reject, renounce, or give up something (like a belief, cause, or claim). It implies a public and absolute abandonment.
To reject or avoid something (e.g., a behaviour, lifestyle, or allegiance) with strong determination, often as a matter of principle.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often used with abstract nouns like beliefs, rights, or allegiance. It is not a synonym for 'reject' in casual contexts. It can have a legal or religious connotation, as in 'abjuring the realm' (historical legal term for swearing to leave a country forever).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant usage differences. The word is equally formal and rare in both varieties.
Connotations
Equally carries strong connotations of solemnity, public declaration, and finality in both dialects.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both, slightly more likely in historical, religious, or literary texts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[NP] abjured [NP] (e.g., He abjured his former beliefs.)[NP] abjured [V-ing] (e.g., They abjured using force.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Abjure the realm (historical legal term). No common modern idioms.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical, religious, legal, or political philosophy texts discussing recantation of beliefs or oaths.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would sound highly unnatural or pretentious.
Technical
Used in formal legal or theological contexts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The new king was forced to abjure all claims to the disputed territories.
- Under threat of excommunication, he abjured his heretical writings.
American English
- The senator publicly abjured his former stance on the issue.
- In her memoir, she abjured the lavish lifestyle of her youth.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The convert had to abjure his former religion.
- The treaty required them to abjure the use of chemical weapons.
- Facing immense pressure, the philosopher refused to abjure his controversial theories.
- The revolutionary's manifesto called on people to abjure their allegiance to the monarchy.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a JURY swearing an oath. To ABJURE is to swear OFF something, to renounce it officially.
Conceptual Metaphor
FORMAL REJECTION IS A PUBLIC OATH (one swears to reject something).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'отрекаться' (renounce) in all contexts; 'abjure' is more specific and formal. Not 'отказываться' (refuse/decline) or 'отрицать' (deny).
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a fancy synonym for 'avoid' (e.g., 'I abjure sweets'). Missing the formal/oath-like connotation. Confusing with 'adjure' (to urge or command solemnly).
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following sentences is 'abjure' used CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Abjure' is a more formal, solemn, and often public subset of 'renounce'. It frequently implies an oath or declaration. You can renounce quietly; to abjure is to do so officially.
No, it is a rare, C2-level word used almost exclusively in formal, literary, legal, or historical contexts. Using it in everyday speech would sound unnatural.
The most common mistake is confusing it with its near-homophone 'adjure', which means to urge or command someone solemnly. Also, using it as a simple synonym for 'avoid'.
Yes, the noun is 'abjuration' (/ˌæb.dʒʊˈreɪ.ʃən/), meaning the act of abjuring.