Forswear
Verb
Definition: To renounce or reject a belief, oath, or promise; to disavow or repudiate.
Synonyms: Renounce, Disavow, Repudiate, Deny, Reject
Antonyms: Uphold, Affirm, Maintain
Examples:
- He decided to forswear his allegiance to the organization.
- She promised to never forswear her loyalty to her friends.
Mnemonics:
- "Forswear" sounds similar to "for swear", indicating the act of swearing off or rejecting something.
Etymology:
Origin:
Middle English forsweren, from Old English forswēoran, from for- (completely) + swēoran (to swear)
Historical Usage:The term "forswear" has been used in English since the Middle Ages to convey the act of renunciation or disavowal.
Related Idioms:
Idiom:
"Forswear oneself"
Explanation:This phrase is used to describe the act of making a false statement under oath or perjuring oneself.
Misconceptions:
Misconception:
Confusing "forswear" with "forbear"
Explanation:"Forswear" and "forbear" have different meanings. "Forswear" means to reject or renounce, while "forbear" means to refrain from doing something. These words should not be used interchangeably.