affidavit

American  

[af-i-dey-vit] / ˌæf ɪˈdeɪ vɪt /

noun

Law.

affidavits plural

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

Derived Forms

• preaffidavit
  noun

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• affidavits
  plural

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”; see affiance

Explanation

If you make a written statement to the police or another recognized authority like a notary public that you swear is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, what you've put down on paper is an affidavit. We get the noun affidavit from the Latin affidare, which means "to pledge." When you state something in an affidavit, you're pledging to the powers that be that you're not lying. The word usually appears in legal settings; if you watch a lot of cop shows or courtroom dramas, it probably rings a bell. "According to the affidavit, Mrs. Smith told police she found the burglar in her closet wearing her most expensive pair of shoes."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

affidavit affidavits

The affidavit did not say when the report would be made public or disclose any findings related to the crash.

From BBC ● Jul. 15, 2026

You could also file a small‑estate affidavit or summary probate, which is often less expensive and faster than the full probate process.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 15, 2026

"A review of organisational culture, human factors and safety practices was undertaken. A psychological autopsy and evaluation were conducted, and the final report of the psychologist has been received," the affidavit said.

From BBC ● Jul. 15, 2026

Makhijani told an associate he took extra precautions because wanted to insulate himself from litigation and that “they were sharks in the distressed world who took advantage of people,” the affidavit stated.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 6, 2026

"We require an affidavit releasing the company of responsibility," he said.

From "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison

In the Posillico lawsuit, DHS moved to seal documents in the case, including any depositions or affidavits; Judge David A. Tapp signed off on the motion.

From Salon ● May 25, 2026

In affidavits submitted to the court, supporters noted that Gil’s was the very last place that was safe and decent and dignified for the city’s worst off.

From Slate ● Mar. 25, 2026

In court, Homeland Security Investigator Robert Kurtz admitted he erroneously listed the address published by the protester account as Huitzilin’s in multiple reports and affidavits.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 27, 2026

Cash transactions are banned, and businesses must obtain signed affidavits from sellers attesting where the metal was obtained and keep copies of photo IDs and license-plate numbers.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 14, 2026

Nothing is lacking: official reports, affidavits of well-known people, of surgeons, of priests, of magistrates; the judicial proof is most complete.

From "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer

Related Words

• oath
• testimony