Perjury
Noun
Definition: The offense of willfully telling an untruth under oath or affirmation in a court or in any legal proceedings, after having sworn to tell the truth.
Synonyms: False swearing, Lying under oath
Antonyms: Truthfulness, Honesty
- The witness was charged with perjury after giving false testimony in court.
- The defendant was found guilty of perjury for lying about his alibi during the trial.
- "Perjury is a serious offense that involves lying under oath."
Etymology:
The word "perjury" comes from the Latin word "perjūrium", which means false oath or false testimony.
Historical Usage:The concept of perjury has been present in various legal systems for centuries, with laws against perjury dating back to ancient Roman times.
Related Idioms:
"Committed perjury"
Explanation:Used to describe someone who has knowingly given false testimony under oath.
Misconceptions:
Confusing perjury with lying or making false statements outside of a legal setting.
Explanation:Perjury specifically refers to making false statements while under oath or affirmation in a court or legal proceedings. Lying in other contexts may be considered a falsehood or deception, but not perjury unless it occurs within a legal setting.