Foreswore Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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foreswore

[fɔːrˈswɔːr ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

past tense

Foreswore is the past tense of forswear, which means to renounce or reject something under oath. It often implies a formal or serious commitment to abandon a certain belief or action.

Synonyms

abjured, rejected, renounced.

Examples of usage

  • She foreswore her allegiance to the old regime.
  • He foreswore the use of plastic bags in his household.
  • They foreswore their previous lifestyle in search of a healthier path.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Literature

  • The term often appears in Shakespeare's plays, where characters make serious pledges.
  • In literature, it is frequently used to depict strong personal resolve or commitment to change.

Psychology

  • Making a commitment to abstain has been shown to strengthen self-control, helping individuals resist temptation.
  • Studies suggest that public declarations of intent, like 'foresworn' vows, can increase accountability.

Pop Culture

  • In many films, characters 'foreswear' old habits, marking a turning point in their personal journey.
  • It's a popular concept in redemption arcs where characters promise to change their ways.

Philosophy

  • The act of 'foreswearing' often involves ethical or moral considerations, highlighting human complexities in making decisions.
  • Philosophers debate the implications of promises, particularly the nature of free will when one swears off certain actions.

Origin of 'foreswore'

Main points about word origin

  • Derived from the Old English word 'forsworen', meaning to 'swear away'.
  • It combines 'fore', indicating a prior action or decision, with 'swore', the past tense of swear.

The term 'foreswore' derives from the Old English word 'forswyrgan', which combines 'for-' meaning 'away, off' and 'sweorcan' meaning 'to swear'. This root emphasizes the act of swearing off or renouncing something. Over time, the meaning expanded to include a formal denial or the act of taking back a previous assertion or commitment. The prefix 'for-' suggests a negation or a removal, fundamentally changing the nature of the original oath into a rejection of it. The use of 'foreswore' in modern English retains this connotation of a serious commitment to let go of previous beliefs or actions.