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.