Memory connection
Picture “ab-sure, no more”
Before a crowd, a former member says, ‘Absolutely sure—no more,’ then lowers the movement's banner to publicly reject the cause.
The sound cue helps you reach the scene; the action in the scene carries you from the scene to the definition.
Use it accurately
Meaning in context
The witness publicly abjured his former allegiance to the group.
As part of the settlement, the organization publicly abjured the discriminatory doctrine.
Abjure implies a serious or formal rejection. Do not confuse it with adjure, which means to urge or command solemnly.
Common patterns
- abjure violence
- publicly abjure
- abjure one’s former beliefs
Quick check
Can you retrieve the meaning?
What is someone doing when they abjure a belief?
Choose an answer, then explain it in your own words.