affidavit

[af-i-dey-vit]

noun

Law.

1. a written declaration upon oath made before an authorized official.

affidavit

/ ˌæfɪˈdeɪvɪt /

noun

1. law a declaration in writing made upon oath before a person authorized to administer oaths, esp for use as evidence in court

Other Word Forms

• preaffidavit noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of affidavit¹

First recorded in 1615–25; from Medieval Latin affīdāvit “(he) has declared on oath,” 3rd-person singular perfect of affīdāre “to declare an oath”; affiance

Word History and Origins

Origin of affidavit¹

C17: from Medieval Latin, literally: he declares on oath, from affīdare to trust (oneself) to; see _affiance

Example Sentences

Amiryan’s partner had pulled her Cadillac Escalade into a parking garage when two men wearing black opened fire with rifles, a detective wrote in an affidavit.

From Los Angeles Times

It wasn’t even the first time he’d shown up at her home unannounced, according to an arrest affidavit and claims in a civil lawsuit.

From Los Angeles Times

During his Senate confirmation hearings in January, his ex-sister-in-law submitted an affidavit begging senators not to confirm him, claiming he’s a misogynist who abused his second wife.

From Salon

An affidavit from the state of Utah confirms that Mr Robinson was arrested on suspicion of the crimes of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm, and obstruction of justice.

From BBC

"The messages also refer to engraving bullets, and a mention of a scope and the rifle being unique," the affidavit states.

From BBC

Related Words

• oath 
• testimony