forsworn: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Literary, Legal
Quick answer
What does “forsworn” mean?
Having formally renounced or sworn to give up something (especially a belief or way of life).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Having formally renounced or sworn to give up something (especially a belief or way of life); guilty of perjury or having sworn a false oath.
Someone who has broken a solemn vow, promise, or allegiance; more broadly, a person who has abandoned their principles or former loyalties.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is equally rare and formal in both varieties.
Connotations
Conveys a sense of archaic solemnity, betrayal, or perjury. Strongly associated with Shakespearean language (e.g., "forsworn oneself").
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in modern speech. More likely encountered in literature, historical texts, or legal contexts than in everyday conversation.
Grammar
How to Use “forsworn” in a Sentence
[Someone] is forsworn.[Someone] has forsworn [something/oneself].The [title, e.g., knight] stood forsworn.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “forsworn” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He had forsworn all alcoholic drink since the incident.
- The knight forswore his allegiance to the corrupt king.
American English
- She had forsworn any involvement in the family business.
- The witness forswore himself on the stand.
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial form. 'Forswornly' is non-standard/archaic and not recommended.)
American English
- (No standard adverbial form. 'Forswornly' is non-standard/archaic and not recommended.)
adjective
British English
- A forsworn knight could not be trusted by anyone.
- He was considered forsworn after breaking his sacred vow.
American English
- The forsworn witness faced charges of perjury.
- In the legend, the forsworn king lost his kingdom.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in literary criticism, historical studies, or legal history discussing oaths, perjury, or treason.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would sound archaic or deliberately dramatic.
Technical
Possible in legal contexts discussing the historical concept of perjury or oath-breaking.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “forsworn”
- Using it as a simple past tense verb (e.g., 'He forsworn the offer' is wrong; correct: 'He forswore the offer' or 'He is forsworn').
- Confusing it with 'forlorn' (pitiful) or 'forewarned'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Forsworn' means having broken a vow or oath. 'Forsaken' means abandoned or deserted (e.g., a forsaken place).
Yes, but it is very formal, literary, or legal. It sounds old-fashioned and is rarely used in everyday speech.
The infinitive verb is 'to forswear'. The past tense is 'forswore', and the past participle is 'forsworn'.
In its most common legal/literary sense, the closest simple synonym is 'perjured' (having lied under oath).
Forsworn is usually formal, literary, legal in register.
Forsworn: in British English it is pronounced /fɔːˈswɔːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /fɔːrˈswɔːrn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To be forsworn (to have committed perjury)”
- “Forsworn oneself”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: "FORever SWORN to tell the truth, but then broke it = FORSWORN."
Conceptual Metaphor
BETRAYAL IS A BROKEN CONTRACT / LOYALTY IS AN UNBREAKABLE BOND.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'forsworn' LEAST likely to be used?