perjure

verb

per·​jure ˈpər-jər How to pronounce perjure (audio)
perjured; perjuring ˈpər-jə-riŋ How to pronounce perjure (audio)
ˈpərj-riŋ
Synonyms of perjurenext

transitive verb

1
: to make a perjurer of (oneself)
2
dated : to cause to commit perjury

Examples of perjure in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Guardians enter negotiations, one executive said, like a witness on the stand attempting not to perjure himself. — Andy McCullough, New York Times, 28 July 2025 In the letter to a top state pension official, Raoul’s office maintained that matters about which Mapes perjured himself were directly connected to his more than two decades as a top governmental aide to Madigan. — Ray Long, Chicago Tribune, 14 Feb. 2025 Michel also tried to end a Justice Department investigation of Low, tampered with two witnesses and perjured himself at trial, prosecutors said. — Michael Kunzelman, Fortune, 22 Nov. 2025 Michel also tried to end a Justice Department investigation of Low, tampered with two witnesses and perjured himself at trial, prosecutors said. — NPR, 21 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for perjure

Word History

Etymology

Anglo-French parjurer, perjurer, from Latin perjurare, from per- detrimentally, for the worse + jurare to swear — more at per-, jury

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of perjure was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing perjure

Rhymes for perjure

See All Rhymes for perjure

Browse Nearby Words

perjink
perjure
perjure oneself
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Perjure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perjure. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

perjure

verb
per·​jure ˈpər-jər How to pronounce perjure (audio)
perjured; perjuring ˈpərj-(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce perjure (audio)
: to make (oneself) guilty of perjury
perjurer
ˈpər-jər-ər
noun

Legal Definition

perjure

transitive verb
per·​jure ˈpər-jər How to pronounce perjure (audio)
perjured; perjuring
: to make a perjurer of (oneself)

More from Merriam-Webster on perjure

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for perjure

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