Definition

1. Verb:
   • To formally reject or renounce something, especially under oath or pressure: This is the primary meaning, involving a solemn or formal abandonment of a belief, claim, or habit.
   • To make a false oath; to perjure oneself: This is a reflexive usage ("to forswear oneself"), meaning to swear falsely or break a solemn promise.

Usage

• Forswear is a formal and somewhat literary verb. It often implies a strong, deliberate, and sometimes public act of renunciation, often after pressure or upon reflection. The reflexive form "forswear oneself" specifically refers to committing perjury.

Examples

• Verb (Renounce):

  • The witness was forced to forswear his previous testimony.
  • He publicly forswore his allegiance to the old regime.
  • I have forsworn all sugary drinks for the new year.

• Verb (Perjure - Reflexive):

  • The corrupt official forswore himself during the trial.
  • To forswear oneself is a serious crime.

Advanced Usage

• "To forswear allegiance": To formally renounce loyalty or fealty to a person, group, or country.
  • The knight was asked to forswear allegiance to the usurper.
• "To forswear violence": To make a solemn pledge to abandon the use of force.
  • The group agreed to forswear violence and pursue political dialogue.

Variants and Related Words

• Forswore: Simple past tense of 'forswear'.
  • He forswore his old habits last year.
• Forsworn: Past participle of 'forswear'.
  • She has forsworn her former beliefs.
• Forswearing: Present participle/gerund of 'forswear'.
  • Forswearing his inheritance was a difficult decision.

Synonyms

• Abjure: To renounce formally or solemnly.
• Recant: To formally withdraw (a statement or belief) as false.
• Renounce: To give up or refuse to follow, especially formally.
• Retract: To withdraw (a statement or accusation).

Antonyms

• Affirm: To state or assert positively.
• Avow: To acknowledge or declare openly.
• Uphold: To maintain or support.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• To forswear the world: To renounce worldly life and pleasures, often for a religious or ascetic life.
  • The hermit had forsworn the world and lived in solitude.
• To be forsworn: To be guilty of perjury or breaking a solemn oath.
  • If you lie under oath, you are forsworn.

Verb

1. formally reject or disavow a formerly held belief, usually under pressure
   • He retracted his earlier statements about his religion
   • She abjured her beliefs