Perjury Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈpər.dʒə.ri/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

The act of willfully giving false testimony while under oath, punishable by law.

Examples

• The witness was accused of perjury after lying under oath.
• The defendant was charged with perjury for giving false testimony.

Synonyms

• Deception
• Falsification

Antonyms

• Honesty
• Truthfulness

Additional Information

Perjury is a serious offense that can lead to criminal charges and penalties, including fines and imprisonment. It is considered a violation of the trust placed in witnesses to provide truthful testimony in legal proceedings. Perjury can also damage the credibility of the legal system and undermine the fairness of trials.

In some cases, perjury may be committed unintentionally, such as when a witness misremembers or misinterprets information. However, in most cases, perjury is a deliberate act intended to deceive or manipulate the legal system.

Usage Notes

Perjury is typically used in formal or legal contexts, such as in courts of law or legal documents. It is not commonly used in everyday conversation, as it has a specific technical meaning.

Cultural References

Perjury has been featured in numerous films, TV shows, and books, often as a plot device or theme. Examples include the movie “A Few Good Men” and the TV show “Law & Order.”

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

None

Related Words or Phrases

• Perjurer

Collocations

• commit perjury
• charge with perjury

Frequency of Use

Perjury is a relatively rare word in everyday conversation, but it is commonly used in legal and formal contexts.

Common Misspellings

• Perjery
• Perjuryy