Abjuration Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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abjuration
[หรฆb.dสสหreษช.สษn ]
Definitions
legal term
The act of renouncing or rejecting something, usually a belief, claim, or allegiance. In legal contexts, it refers to the act of giving up rights or claims.
Synonyms
rejection, renunciation, repudiation.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| abjuration |
Used in formal or legal situations when someone is making a serious and formal declaration to abandon a belief or claim.
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| renunciation |
Utilized in both formal and informal settings to express a voluntary decision to give up something, often a belief, claim, or possession.
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| rejection |
Commonly used in everyday situations to describe refusing or dismissing something or someone.
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| repudiation |
Typically used in formal language to signify a strong, often public, disapproval or refusal to accept something.
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Examples of usage
- His abjuration of his former religion caused quite a stir in his community.
- The abjuration of the throne by the monarch shocked the nation.
- The abjuration of his rights to the property allowed the new owner to take possession.
historical context
A solemn oath or declaration to renounce a belief or allegiance, especially in the context of the Inquisition.
Synonyms
declaration, oath, renunciation.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| abjuration |
Used in formal or legal settings when someone formally rejects a belief, cause, or claim.
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| oath |
Used primarily in legal or solemn contexts when someone makes a serious promise or commitment, often with a sense of moral or legal obligation.
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| declaration |
Used in general, formal, or official contexts when someone makes something known publicly or formally.
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| renunciation |
Typically used in contexts involving formal or strong rejection, often of a belief, claim, or personal connection. It can have a negative connotation when indicating a severe disavowal.
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Examples of usage
- The accused made an abjuration of heresy in order to avoid severe punishment.
- The abjuration of witchcraft was a common practice during the Salem witch trials.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Context
- Abjuration was significant during the Reformation, when individuals sometimes renounced their previous faith publicly.
- In the 16th century, European law often required individuals accused of heresy to abjure their beliefs to avoid punishment.
- Some famous figures, like Galileo, were pushed to abjure their scientific views under pressure from religious authorities.
Legal Significance
- In legal terms, abjuration can involve taking an oath to renounce allegiance to a country, such as in naturalization processes.
- It is often part of plea bargains where a defendant may abjure certain rights in exchange for a reduced sentence.
- Abjuration plays a role in legal terms of loyalty, where individuals must abjure their previous affiliations to gain trust.
Cultural References
- Abjuration has been depicted in literature as a dramatic act, often leading characters to deep internal conflicts.
- In some cultures, the act of abjuration can symbolize a rite of passage or transformation in personal beliefs.
- Music and films sometimes explore themes of abjuration, portraying the struggle and consequences of renouncing one's past.
Psychology
- Psychologically, abjuration can denote a struggle with cognitive dissonance where individuals conflict between old and new beliefs.
- Group dynamics often influence abjuration, showcasing how societal pressures can lead someone to abandon personal convictions.
- The act can be viewed as a form of identity transformation, where individuals redefine themselves by opting out of previous beliefs.
Origin of 'abjuration'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'abjuration' comes from the Latin 'abjuratio,' where 'ab' means 'away from' and 'jurare' means 'to swear.'
- In medieval law, it referred to the formal renunciation of a right or claim in front of a court.
- The word has been used in religious contexts, particularly in the context of renouncing heresies or non-conformist beliefs.
The word 'abjuration' originated from the Latin word 'abjuratio', which means 'a disavowing'. It first appeared in English in the 15th century. In historical contexts, abjuration was often associated with the Inquisition, where individuals were required to renounce their beliefs or face severe consequences. Over time, the term also came to be used in legal settings to refer to the act of giving up rights or claims.