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

But out of 19 document requests, sheriff’s officials handed over two, according to an affidavit from a Cal/OSHA investigator filed in court.

From Los Angeles Times

The affidavit also noted that “Woods had hiccups during the entire investigation.”

From Los Angeles Times

During an interview at the scene of the crash, Woods was "sweating profusely" and his movements were "lethargic and slow", an officer wrote in the arrest affidavit released on Tuesday.

From BBC

An absentee voter would send in a copy of an ID, or else an affidavit that it can’t be obtained after “reasonable efforts.”

From The Wall Street Journal

The men who dictated the affidavits said they were among the few who refused.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• oath
• testimony