Adjured Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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adjured
[əˈdʒʊr ]
Definitions
legal context
To adjure means to earnestly or solemnly request someone to do something. It often implies a strong appeal or command, typically in a formal or authoritative manner.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The witness was adjured to tell the truth in court.
- He adjured his friends to reconsider their decision.
- The leader adjured his followers to remain united in their cause.
religious context
In a religious or spiritual sense, to adjure can mean to command or invoke a divine presence or power. This usage often appears in prayers or rituals.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The priest adjured the spirits to bless the gathering.
- In the ceremony, they adjured the forces of nature for their protection.
- The shaman adjured the ancestors to guide them.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- In Shakespeare's works, characters often adjure others to reveal secrets or perform actions vital to the plot.
- The concept appears in many classic texts, indicating the weight behind a plea or request.
- The word conveys a sense of urgency, enhancing drama in storytelling.
Psychology
- Using strong requests or admonitions can significantly impact compliance in interpersonal communication.
- Research shows that people are more likely to comply with urgent requests if framed as moral obligations.
- The emotional weight conveyed through urging can enhance the sense of responsibility and accountability.
Courtroom Context
- In legal settings, individuals may adjure someone to tell the truth, reinforcing the solemnity of the oath.
- Adjuring is often seen as a way to implore witnesses to share essential information.
- Oaths taken in court are a formal way of adjuring truthfulness and integrity.
Pop Culture
- The word pops up in thrillers or drama series, often during intense confrontations between characters.
- In movies, characters might adjure allies to take action in dire circumstances, raising tension.
- It's used in dialogue to add gravitas, especially when a character feels compelled to emphasize the importance of their request.
Origin of 'adjured'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'adjure' comes from the Latin word 'adiurare,' which means to 'swear to' or 'entreat.'
- It combines the prefix 'ad-' meaning 'to' with 'iurare,' meaning 'to swear,' indicating a serious request.
- Historically, the word reflects a strong legal context, often found in oaths and formal requests.
The word 'adjure' originates from the Latin 'adjurare', which means 'to swear to', composed of the prefix 'ad-' meaning 'to' and 'jurare' meaning 'to swear'. This term has been in English usage since the late Middle Ages, first appearing in legal contexts as the act of swearing an oath or making a solemn appeal. The concept of adjuring has remained aligned with formal and earnest requests throughout its history, often carrying a weight of seriousness whether in legal, religious, or personal contexts. As it developed in English, it became associated with the insistence on truthfulness and moral obligation, reflecting its roots in oaths and solemn declarations.