affidavit

American  

[af-i-dey-vit] / ˌæf ɪˈdeɪ vɪt /

noun

Law.

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

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affidavit British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• preaffidavit noun

Etymology

Origin of affidavit

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

Example Sentences

According to the affidavit, the investigation also included interviews with the children’s therapists and doctors.

From Los Angeles Times

The FBI had opened an investigation into Sturdivant four years ago, in January 2022, when he was a minor, an FBI agent said in an affidavit supporting the arrest.

From The Wall Street Journal

They referred families to organizations that would help them draft affidavits so their U.S.-born children could have legal guardians, in case the parents were deported.

From Los Angeles Times

One of the officers chased the tow truck on foot and saw that the suspect was ‘laughing’ as he recorded the officer with his cellphone, according to an affidavit filed in federal court.

From Los Angeles Times

On Dec. 1, he rented a car in Boston and drove to Brown’s campus in Providence, R.I., where a custodian saw him in a bathroom near the lecture hall, according to an affidavit.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• oath
• testimony