Good examples show the seriousness built into the word. Abjure works best when the object being rejected is substantial enough to justify formal language.
Modern examples
- The organization required its leaders to abjure political violence.
- She abjures needless luxury and lives with deliberate simplicity.
- The candidate refused to abjure his earlier position.
- After the scandal, the company publicly abjured the practice.
- He abjured the ideology that had shaped his youth.
Historical-style examples
- The prisoner was ordered to abjure the doctrine before witnesses.
- He abjured his former allegiance and swore loyalty to the new sovereign.
- The decree demanded that dissenters abjure their errors.
Examples with “abjures”
Abjures is the third-person singular form: “The order abjures wealth,” “She abjures vengeance,” and “The charter abjures discrimination.”
Examples with “abjured”
The past form often appears in historical narrative: “He abjured the claim,” “They abjured their allegiance,” or “She publicly abjured the movement.”
Weak and awkward examples
“I abjure mushrooms on pizza” is possible as comic exaggeration, but usually too grand for an ordinary preference. “I avoid mushrooms” is 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.