# abjure

/ɐbdʒjˈɔː/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/abjure
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

to officially give up a belief, a habit, or a right. It is a very formal word often used in legal or religious contexts.

For teachers: to formally renounce or reject a belief, practice, or right. Often used in legal or ecclesiastical contexts to describe a public and binding statement of abandonment.

## Examples

- The politician abjured his previous views on the issue.
- The defendant was forced to abjure his previous testimony under oath during the trial.
- In the final chapter of his memoir, the philosopher abjured the materialism of his youth, embracing a more spiritual perspective on the nature of existence.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.