Adjure

Verb

Definition: Urge or request (someone) solemnly or earnestly to do something.

Synonyms: Implore, Beseech, Entreat

Antonyms: Discourage, Dissuade

Examples:
  • I adjure you to tell the truth.
  • The witness was adjured to reveal what she knew.
Mnemonics:
  • "Adjure" sounds like "a jury," imagine a lawyer urging the jury to do something.

Etymology:

Origin:

Middle English from Old French 'adjurer', from Latin 'adjurare' (ad- 'to' + jurare 'swear').

Historical Usage:

The word has been in use since Middle English and retains its original meaning in modern usage.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Adjure under oath"

Explanation:

To solemnly urge or request someone to speak the truth after swearing an oath.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing "adjure" with "adjourn".

Explanation:

"Adjure" means to urge or request, while "adjourn" means to suspend or postpone a meeting or event. These two words are not related in meaning.

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