English Explanatory Dictionary

forswear

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To renounce or deny something, especially under oath.
  2. To commit perjury; to break an oath.

Pronunciation

/fə(ɹ)ˈswɛə(ɹ)/ /fɔː(ɹ)ˈswɛə(ɹ)/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-forswear.wav

Word forms

forswear forswears forswearing forswore forsworn foreswear

Etymology

From Middle English forsweren, from Old English forswerian (“to swear falsely”). Cognate with Old Saxon farswerian, Old High German farsweren, German verschwören. More at for- + swear.

Synonyms

abjure disavow swear off deny disclaim disown forsay forswear renounce repudiate wash one's hands of perjure manswear misswear

Derived words

forswearer
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