Forswear: meaning, definitions and examples

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 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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.