Definition
To adjure means to solemnly command, urge, or request someone to do something or to refrain from doing something. It can also refer to invoking or appealing to a higher authority or power.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Verb
Synonyms
Command, charge, entreat, implore, urge, plead, appeal
Antonyms
Allow, permit, acquiesce, concede, grant
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | adjuration, adjurations |
| Verb | adjured, adjuring, adjures, adjure |
| Adjective | adjuratory |
| Adverb | None |
Example Sentences
-
The witness was adjured to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth before giving testimony in court.
-
The king adjured his subjects to remain loyal and support the kingdom in its time of crisis.
-
The priest adjured the evil spirits to leave the possessed person and return to the darkness from which they came.
-
The doctor adjured the patient to follow a strict diet and exercise regimen to improve their health condition.
Usage
The word “adjure” is often used in legal, religious, or formal contexts, where a solemn or authoritative command or request is required. It can be used to urge someone to tell the truth in a legal proceeding or to swear an oath of allegiance to a higher power. It can also be used to request someone to do or not do something, such as keeping confidential information or following a code of conduct.
The word “adjure” is derived from the Latin word “adjurare,” which means “to swear by.” The word “jure” in Latin means “to swear,” which is related to the English word “jury,” a group of people who swear to deliver a verdict in a legal proceeding. The prefix “ad-” in “adjure” means “to” or “toward,” indicating a direction or movement. The suffix “-ure” in “adjure” indicates an action or process of doing something.
The word “adjure” can be modified with prefixes, suffixes, or other variations to change its meaning or usage. For example, the prefix “re-” can be added to form the word “readjure,” which means to adjure again or to renew an adjuration. The suffix “-ment” can be added to form the noun “adjurement,” which refers to the act or process of adjuring. Other variations of the word “adjure” include “adjured” (past tense), “adjuring” (present participle), and “adjurer” (noun).
In summary, the word “adjure” is a verb that means to solemnly command or request someone to do something or to appeal to a higher authority or power. Its usage is often found in legal, religious, or formal contexts, where a serious and solemn tone is required.