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Perjury
UK //ˈpɜːrdʒəri//US //ˈpɜr.dʒɚ.i//
Definition
The act of lying after taking an oath to tell the truth in a legal setting.
In simple words: Lying in court after promising to tell the truth.
Examples
- He was charged with perjury after his testimony contradicted recorded evidence.
- The lawyer warned her client that committing perjury could lead to severe consequences.
- During the trial, the defendant's perjury was uncovered by the prosecution.
- In court, she was found guilty of perjury for falsely claiming she had seen the crime.
- Perjury is a serious offense that can undermine the justice system significantly.
Usage notes
Used in legal contexts. Formal term, appropriate for discussions about law but not common in everyday conversation.
Grammar pattern
commit + perjury
Memory hint
Think of a 'jury' - you can commit perjury if you lie in front of them.
Collocations
- commit perjury
- allegation of perjury
- charge of perjury
- conviction for perjury
- testify under oath
Synonyms
- false testimony
- lying under oath
- deception
- dishonesty
- misrepresentation
Common mistakes
- Confused with 'perjured', which is the past tense.
- Using 'perjury' as a verb instead of a noun.
- Assuming it applies to all forms of lying, when it specifically refers to lying under oath.