Definition

1. Verb (transitive):
   • To command or urge someone solemnly, earnestly, or with great authority: To direct someone to do something as if under an oath or with a strong sense of duty.
   • To request or entreat someone earnestly or solemnly: To ask someone to do something with great seriousness and urgency.

Examples of Usage

• Verb:
  • The judge adjured the witness to tell the whole truth. (The judge solemnly commanded the witness to tell the whole truth.)
  • I adjure you to consider the consequences of your actions. (I earnestly urge you to consider the consequences.)
  • She adjured him to keep the secret safe. (She solemnly requested him to keep the secret safe.)

Advanced Usage

• "to adjure someone to do something": This is the most common construction, emphasizing the solemn or earnest nature of the command or request.
  • The leader adjured the council to act with wisdom.
• Formal/Archaic Context: The word is often used in formal, legal, religious, or literary contexts rather than in everyday conversation.
  • The priest adjured the evil spirit to leave. (This usage reflects the solemn, authoritative command typical in religious rites.)

Variants and Related Words

• Adjuration (noun): A solemn urging or command.
  • His adjuration for peace was heard by all.
• Adjurer (noun): One who adjures. (This form is very rare.)

Synonyms

• Entreat: To ask someone earnestly or anxiously to do something.
• Beseech: To ask someone urgently and fervently to do something; to implore.
• Exhort: To strongly encourage or urge someone to do something.
• Conjure (in the sense of "to implore earnestly"): To call upon or entreat solemnly. (Note: This is an older, less common use of "conjure").

Related Phrases

• To put someone under adjuration: A formal phrase meaning to place someone under a solemn charge or command.
  • The witness was put under adjuration before testifying.

Notes on Meaning

• Solemn Command vs. Earnest Request: The word "adjure" uniquely blends the concepts of a command (with authority) and a plea (with earnestness). The specific nuance depends on the context—whether the speaker is in a position of authority (like a judge, commanding) or is a supplicant (earnestly requesting).
• Distinction from Similar Words: Unlike "ask" or "request," "adjure" carries a weight of solemnity, urgency, and often moral or legal obligation. It is stronger than "urge" and more formal than "beg."

Verb

1. command solemnly
2. ask for or request earnestly
   • The prophet bid all people to become good persons