Abjure: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'abjure' in formal or legal contexts when someone is solemnly renouncing or rejecting something, often a belief, cause, or claim.

• 'He abjured his previous allegiance to the organization
• ' 'She abjured her faith to join another religion
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Employ 'renounce' when someone is formally declaring their abandonment or rejection of a particular belief, claim, or position, often publicly.

• 'He renounced his former beliefs when he converted to a different religion
• ' 'She renounced her claim to the throne
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Use 'relinquish' when someone is voluntarily giving up or releasing control of something, typically responsibilities, rights, or possessions.

• 'She relinquished her control of the company
• ' 'He relinquished his hold on the old habits that held him back
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Use 'forswear' when someone is formally promising to give up something; usually in serious, often solemn contexts. It may also imply making a public commitment.

• 'She forswore all the pleasures of the modern life for a year of asceticism
• ' 'The knight forswore his former master
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Use 'repudiate' when someone rejects or denies the truth or validity of something, often in a forceful or emphatic way. It can denote personal disapproval or disowning someone or something.

• 'He repudiated the accusations made against him
• ' 'She repudiated the notion that she had any involvement in the matter
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Apply 'disavow' when someone is formally denying responsibility or support for something, often in a context where they are distancing themselves from a statement, action, or person.

• 'The politician disavowed any knowledge of the scandal
• ' 'He disavowed his earlier comments when they caused controversy
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