Abjuration: meaning, definitions and examples

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abjuration

[ˌæb.dʒʊˈreɪ.ʃən ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

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. The court demanded an abjuration of his former loyalty to the secret society. She signed an abjuration renouncing her previous statements.
renunciation	Utilized in both formal and informal settings to express a voluntary decision to give up something, often a belief, claim, or possession. His renunciation of worldly goods was a step towards spiritual enlightenment. The prince's renunciation of the throne shocked everyone.
rejection	Commonly used in everyday situations to describe refusing or dismissing something or someone. His application faced rejection by the university. She felt hurt by his rejection of her ideas.
repudiation	Typically used in formal language to signify a strong, often public, disapproval or refusal to accept something. The politician's repudiation of the accusations helped to restore his reputation. Their repudiation of the contract terms led to legal consequences.

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.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

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. The king's abjuration of his throne shocked the entire kingdom Her abjuration of her previous statements was a key moment in the trial
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. The witness took an oath to tell the truth in court He swore an oath of loyalty to his country
declaration	Used in general, formal, or official contexts when someone makes something known publicly or formally. The company made a public declaration of its new policies The declaration of independence was a pivotal moment in history
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. Her renunciation of her former religion was a deeply personal decision The politician's renunciation of his previous stance was met with criticism

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "abjuration" in other languages:

🇵🇹 abjuração

🇮🇳 त्याग

🇩🇪 Verzicht

🇮🇩 penolakan

🇺🇦 відречення

🇵🇱 zrzeczenie

🇯🇵 放棄

🇫🇷 abjuration

🇪🇸 abjuración

🇹🇷 vazgeçme

🇰🇷 포기

🇸🇦 إنكار

🇨🇿 zřeknutí se

🇸🇰 zrieknutie sa

🇨🇳 放弃

🇸🇮 odpoved

🇮🇸 afneitun

🇰🇿 бас тарту

🇬🇪 უარყოფა

🇦🇿 imtina

🇲🇽 abjuración