noun
perjury
PUR-juh-ree/ˈpɜːrdʒəri/
The crime of knowingly lying under oath.
The witness commits perjury by knowingly lying under oath.
Etymology
The 'swear' element concerns an oath, while the compound meant to swear falsely or break that oath. Perjury names the offense committed by knowingly giving false testimony under oath.
In context
he lied about it under oath and committed perjury
More examples
- She was accused of perjury.
- The court examined evidence of perjury.
- His false sworn statement led to a perjury charge.
Forms
perjury
Similar words
- lie
- Need not be made under oath.
- false testimony
- Can be mistaken rather than knowingly dishonest.