Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Forswear Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🤥
Add to dictionary

forswear

[fɔːrˈswɛə(r) ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

legal context

To swear falsely, commit perjury; to renounce or repudiate under oath.

Synonyms

perjure, renounce, repudiate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
forswear

Forswear (Note: this word is repeated; usually used similarly as 'forgo').

  • He forswore violence, promising to live peacefully.
  • After the scandal, the politician forswore dishonesty.
perjure

Perjure is specifically used in legal contexts when someone lies under oath. It has a strongly negative connotation.

  • The witness perjured himself during the trial.
  • She was arrested for perjuring in court.
renounce

Renounce is used when someone formally gives up a position, right, or belief.

  • He renounced his claim to the throne.
  • She renounced her citizenship to become a citizen of another country.
repudiate

Repudiate is used when someone rejects something or someone, often in a formal context. It can have a connotation of strong disapproval.

  • The company repudiated the allegations of misconduct.
  • He repudiated the accusations against him during the press conference.

Examples of usage

  • He was forced to forswear his allegiance to the king.
  • The witness was caught forswearing himself in court.
Context #2 | Verb

old-fashioned context

To reject or give up something formally or under oath; to swear off.

Synonyms

abandon, eschew, relinquish.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
forswear

Like 'forswear', use 'relinquish' when giving up something, but 'relinquish' often implies a voluntary act of giving up something valuable or a position of power. It is more neutral and less formal than 'forswear'.

  • She relinquished control of the company to her successor.
  • After years of dedicated service, he relinquished his post as chairman.
abandon

Use 'abandon' when leaving something or someone completely, often suddenly and with a sense of neglect. It can also mean giving up a goal or activity.

  • She abandoned her car on the side of the road when it broke down.
  • The project was abandoned due to a lack of funds.
eschew

Use 'eschew' when deliberately avoiding something, often because it is considered wrong or unpleasant. It tends to be used in more formal contexts.

  • He eschews smoking and drinking as part of his healthy lifestyle.
  • She eschews violence, preferring peaceful resolutions.

Examples of usage

  • She decided to forswear sweets in order to lose weight.
  • He forswore his old habits in order to start a new life.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'forswear'

The word 'forswear' dates back to Old English and is a combination of 'for-' (completely) and 'swear'. It has been used in legal contexts to refer to the act of swearing falsely or committing perjury. Over time, it has also come to mean formally renouncing or giving up something under oath. The word has evolved in meaning but has retained its association with oaths and promises.

See also: swearer, swearing.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,862 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.