Adjuring Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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adjuring
[əˈdʒʊrɪŋ ]
Definition
legal context
Adjuring refers to the act of commanding or urging someone to do something, often with an implication of authority or seriousness. In legal contexts, it can involve a formal command to testify or to behave in a certain manner. This term is derived from a more intense form of urging, emphasizing not just a request but a serious demand with potential moral or legal weight.
Synonyms
beseeching, entreating, exhorting.
Examples of usage
- The judge was adjuring the witness to tell the truth.
- She was adjured by her conscience to make the right choice.
- The teacher adjured his students to study harder.
- The commander adjured his troops to remain vigilant.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Literature
- In classic literature, characters often adjure others to reveal secrets, showcasing the urgency and importance of their requests.
- Shakespeare used the term to express deep emotional appeals, as in moments where characters seek truth or resolution.
Psychology
- The concept behind adjuring relates to persuasive communication, as it's about exerting influence or urgency over someone’s decisions.
- Research in persuasion shows emotional appeals can effectively lead to compliance, similar to the act of adjuring someone.
Pop Culture
- The act of adjuring is often dramatized in films, especially in moments where a character pleads for someone's help or cooperation.
- Songs sometimes use the term in lyrics to express deep longing or a desire for someone to take action.
Law & Ethics
- In legal contexts, adjuring can refer to a formal plea made by a lawyer to urge a jury or judge to consider a specific piece of evidence.
- Ethically, to adjure someone implies a heavy responsibility, as it often carries moral weight in urging others to act rightly.
Origin of 'adjuring'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'adiurare', where 'ad-' means 'to' and 'iurare' means 'swear', linking to the idea of making a serious promise.
- The term entered English usage in the late Middle Ages, often in legal or formal contexts.
The word 'adjure' comes from the Latin word 'adjurare', which means 'to swear to', combining 'ad-' meaning 'to' and 'jurare' meaning 'to swear'. This origin reflects the term's association with solemn oaths and commands. The usage of the term has evolved, but the core notion of a strong urging or commanding remains prevalent. In early English, the word maintained its legal implications, often appearing in contexts involving oaths or serious requests. Over time, while it has retained its specialized meaning, it has also found uses in more general contexts where commanding or strong urging is required.