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

The FBI has not released information about the nature or scope of the investigation; search warrant affidavits are sealed.

From Los Angeles Times

An FBI spokesperson declined to share more information, citing the fact that the affidavits have been sealed by the court.

From Los Angeles Times

The FBI declined to share more information, citing the fact that the affidavits have been sealed by the court.

From Los Angeles Times

The FBI said in an affidavit that there was probable cause to believe Natanson’s devices contained classified information, potentially including yet-to-be-published information that could “harm national security.”

From The Wall Street Journal

According to his probable cause affidavit, Ramirez said Beverley’s sister told him that her mother had called Beverley to come over after discovering that the girl had been out with her boyfriend without permission.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• oath
• testimony