What does perjure mean?
Perjure means to swear falsely, especially by knowingly making a false statement under oath. Its force comes from the contrast between the solemnity of the promise and the speaker’s deliberate dishonesty: the person is not merely mistaken but has knowingly violated an obligation to tell the truth. The word is particularly associated with courtrooms, legislative investigations, affidavits, and declarations made under penalty of perjury. Perjure is also a noun, though the legal noun “perjury” is far more common in ordinary usage. As a verb, it may stand alone, as in “He perjured,” though the formal expression “perjure oneself” is especially frequent. Because it identifies oath-breaking rather than ordinary deception, perjure has a markedly serious, accusatory, and often legal connotation. It can also refer more broadly to the violation of a solemn declaration, not only to testimony given in court.
To swear falsely or knowingly make a false statement while under oath or another solemn declaration.
"He was charged with perjuring himself before the inquiry."
Formal and strongly condemnatory; often used in legal, governmental, or testimonial contexts.
The act of swearing falsely or knowingly making a false statement under oath.
"The prosecution argued that his testimony amounted to perjure."
The legal noun “perjury” is much more common in modern usage.
The plural is uncommon because the related legal noun “perjury” is normally used instead.
"The prosecution alleged that his statements before two different agencies constituted separate perjures."
Perjure is more than lying: it is the deliberate betrayal of an oath.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of perjure
Perjure comes through Old French parjurer from Latin perjūrāre, formed from per- meaning “badly” or “wrongfully” and jūrāre meaning “to swear an oath.” The word entered Middle English in this form and has continued to refer to making a false statement under oath. Its relatives include perjury, juror, and jury, while abjure comes from the same Latin root of swearing.
Related word forms
How perjure is actually used
This is a formal and strongly condemnatory term, especially common in legal and governmental contexts. It is much more specific than “lie,” since it implies that the false statement was made under oath or an equivalent solemn promise.
Easily confused with perjure
Perjure is the verb meaning to swear falsely, whereas perjury is the noun naming that act or offense.