# perjury

/ˈpɝdʒɝi/ (US) · /pˈɜːdʒəɹi/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/perjury
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

the crime of telling a lie in a court of law after you have promised to tell the truth.

For teachers: the intentional act of swearing a false oath or falsifying an affirmation to tell the truth concerning matters material to a judicial proceeding.

## Examples

- The witness was charged with perjury after lying about the accident.
- The prosecutor warned the defendant that committing perjury would lead to a much harsher prison sentence than the original charge.
- Legal experts noted that while the defendant's testimony was inconsistent, proving perjury requires demonstrating a deliberate intent to deceive rather than a mere failure of memory.

## Usage notes

- Typically used as an uncountable noun; often follows the verbs 'commit' or 'be charged with'.

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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.