Abjure / verb / ab·​jure

We use the word abjure as an intransitive verb in English. It represents the act of back peddling on a serious obligation.

For example, a king or queen may suddenly decide to abjure or renounce their throne because they no longer agree with the policies of the royal family or the state. The formal definition of abjuring means to renounce or repudiate; to refuse to take an oath or make a pledge.

In a Sentence

The princess abjured her royal title when she realized the policies implemented by the royal family went against her personal beliefs.

He decided he would abjure his royal title and live as an everyday citizen instead of going against his personal values.

What would cause such a devoted leader to suddenly abjure their throne without warning?

Etymology

We derived the word abjure from a combination of Late Middle English, Old French, and Latin words that represent the action of denouncing, renouncing, or recanting a previous statement.

Etymologists say abjure became popular in our language during the late 15th century. Abjure derives from the Latin verb abjudgere, meaning to declare something off-limits. In a religious context, an abjurer is someone who renounces the tenets of their faith.

We typically use the word abjure in English to mean "to refuse solemnly."

Synonym

Renounce, Reject

Antonym

Accept, Claim