Abjure is a regular transitive verb. It normally takes a direct object: a belief, allegiance, practice, claim, or course of conduct.
Word forms
| Form | Function | Example |
|---|---|---|
| abjure | base form | They abjure violence. |
| abjures | third-person singular | She abjures excess. |
| abjured | past tense | He abjured the doctrine. |
| abjuring | present participle | They are abjuring the practice. |
| abjuration | noun | Her abjuration was public. |
| abjurer | person noun | The abjurer signed the declaration. |
Transitive structure
The usual pattern is subject + abjure + object. Avoid leaving the object unclear unless context has already identified it.
Abjure versus abjure from
Modern standard usage usually takes a direct object: “abjure violence,” not “abjure from violence.” The related sense “abstain from” may tempt writers into adding from, but direct construction is cleaner.
Register
The word is formal. In casual speech, give up, reject, renounce, or stop may sound more natural.
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.