abjuration

American  

[ab-juh-rey-shuhn] / ˌæb dʒəˈreɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act of abjuring.

2. renunciation upon oath.

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Other Word Forms

• nonabjuration
  noun

Etymology

Origin of abjuration

1505–15; < Medieval Latin abjūrātiōn- (stem of abjūrātiō ); see abjure, -ate ¹, -ion

Explanation

When you've given up your old ideas about something, or retracted a statement you made earlier, you can call it abjuration. Your conservative uncle might be frustrated at the abjuration of your former political opinions, especially if you become a progressive Democrat. Many people experience an abjuration of their religious beliefs, renouncing one faith for another or dropping religion from their lives altogether. When you abjure something, you give it up or renounce it. The Latin root is abiurare, "deny on oath."

Example Sentences

The National Covenant of 1637 was an amplification of the previous Confessions, containing in addition an abjuration of Episcopal Church-government, as the King's Confession did of Popery.

From Sir Thomas Urquhart of Cromartie, Knight by Willcock, John

Sigismund asked him why he could not renounce errors which he said had been ascribed to him through perjury, and Huss had to explain to him the technical meaning of abjuration.

From A History of The Inquisition of The Middle Ages; volume II by Lea, Henry Charles

The importance attached to the abjuration is illustrated by a case in the Inquisition of Toulouse in 1310.

From A History of The Inquisition of The Middle Ages; volume I by Lea, Henry Charles

The vow of perpetual seclusion comprises a renunciation of the pleasures and business of life, an abnegation of the claims of consanguinity, friendship and society; and an abjuration of all filial, parental and natural affection.

From Monks, Popes, and their Political Intrigues by Alberger, John

It did not, of course, contain the abjuration of Episcopal Church-government.

From Sir Thomas Urquhart of Cromartie, Knight by Willcock, John