perjure

[ pur-jer ]

verb (used with object)

, per·jured, per·jur·ing.

1. to render (oneself ) guilty of swearing falsely or of willfully making a false statement under oath or solemn affirmation:

   The witness perjured herself when she denied knowing the defendant.

perjure

/ ˈpɜːdʒə /

verb

1. tr criminal law to render (oneself) guilty of perjury

Derived Forms

• ˈperjurer, noun

Other Words From

• perjure·ment noun
• perjur·er noun
• un·perjur·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of perjure¹

First recorded in 1475–85; from Latin perjūrāre “to swear falsely,” from per- “through,” i.e., “beyond the limits” ( per- ) + jūrāre “to swear,” literally, “to be at law” (derivative of jūs jus ¹( def ) )

Word History and Origins

Origin of perjure¹

C15: from Old French parjurer, from Latin perjūrāre, from per- + jūrāre to make an oath, from jūs law

Example Sentences

So the question is: did Robson perjure himself in 2005, or is he lying now?

From The Daily Beast

"Or else the crowd whose witnesses won't hesitate to perjure themselves," Hal muttered.

From Project Gutenberg

Well, Rennett, do you think we're going to get into hot water, or are we going to perjure our way to safety?

From Project Gutenberg

To save himself that shame, he was willing not only to perjure himself, but to take upon himself the consequences of his perjury.

From Project Gutenberg

Dont you stand there and perjure your immortal soul just to shield that boy!

From Project Gutenberg

And so am I,” thought Tresham, who stood in the rear, “—that he will perjure himself.

From Project Gutenberg