Abjure is usually pronounced with two syllables and stress on the second syllable.
American English
A common approximation is ab-JOOR, with the first syllable reduced and the second carrying the stress.
British English
British pronunciation may sound closer to ab-JOOR or ab-JU-er, depending on accent.
Sound sequence
- Begin with a soft unstressed “ab” or “uhb.”
- Move directly into the “j” sound.
- Stress the final syllable.
Common mistakes
Do not pronounce it like “ab-jer,” and do not confuse its sound with adjure; the two can be very similar in rapid speech, so context matters.
Practice phrases
“Abjure the claim.” “She abjures excess.” “They publicly abjured the doctrine.”
Frequently asked questions
Is abjure a common word?
No. It is formal and relatively uncommon in everyday conversation.
Does abjure require an actual oath?
Not in modern use, although the historical sense is oath-based.
Is abjure always religious?
No. It can apply to politics, allegiance, ideology, conduct, or habits.
Is it stronger than reject?
Usually yes; it suggests seriousness, finality, or formality.
Can a person abjure a habit?
Yes, especially in elevated or literary language.
Is abjuration always voluntary?
No. Historical abjurations were sometimes coerced.
What is the noun form?
Abjuration.
What is the past tense?
Abjured.
What is the third-person singular form?
Abjures.
What is the closest synonym?
Renounce or forswear, depending on context.