forswear

[ fawr-swair ]

verb (used with object)

, for·swore [fawr-, swawr], for·sworn [fawr-, swawrn], for·swear·ing.

1. to reject or renounce under oath:

   to forswear an injurious habit.

   Synonyms: abandon, forsake, forgo, relinquish, abjure

2. to deny vehemently or under oath.
3. to perjure (oneself ).

verb (used without object)

, for·swore [fawr-, swawr], for·sworn [fawr-, swawrn], for·swear·ing.

1. to swear falsely; commit perjury.

forswear

/ fɔːˈswɛə /

verb

1. tr to reject or renounce with determination or as upon oath
2. tr to deny or disavow absolutely or upon oath

   he forswore any knowledge of the crime

3. to perjure (oneself)

Derived Forms

• forˈswearer, noun

Other Words From

• for·swear·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of forswear¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English forsweren, Old English forswerian; for-, swear

Word History and Origins

Origin of forswear¹

Old English forswearian

Example Sentences

You do not forswear studying by electric light because Lincoln relied on his fireplace.

From The Daily Beast

A veritable Judas, preparing to forswear his people and their cause, willing to lie and deny his participation.

From Project Gutenberg

They made up their minds to forswear the love of women with all its humiliations and disappointments and futilities.

From Project Gutenberg

Fortune had been kind to him and he had passed so many competitors on the way that he could forswear jealousy and be generous.

From Project Gutenberg

Well, I go; an he should not take it, Firk swears to forswear him.

From Project Gutenberg

We'll trip it tightly, And make my sad young mistress merry again, Or I'll forswear the cellar.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• forgo
• forsake
• recant
• renounce
• repudiate
• swear off