Adjuration

A solemn appeal whereby one person imposes on another the obligation of speaking or acting as if under an oath (1 Sam. 14:24; Josh. 6:26; 1 Kings 22:16). We have in the New Testament a striking example of this (Matt. 26:63; Mark 5:7), where the high priest calls upon Christ to avow his true character. It would seem that in such a case the person so adjured could not refuse to give an answer. The word “adjure”, i.e., cause to swear is used with reference to the casting out of demons (Acts 19:13).

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. The act of adjuring; a solemn charging on oath, or under the penalty of a curse; an earnest appeal. What an accusation could not effect, an adjuration shall. Bp. Hall.

2. The form of oath or appeal. Persons who . . . made use of prayer and adjurations. Addison.