adjure
to urge solemnly or command under oath
Roots
Other words with the jur / jus root
- abjure: to renounce formally
- conjure: to summon, call up, or bring to mind
- judge: to decide after considering evidence
- judicious: showing sound judgment, wisdom, or good sense
- juridical: relating to law or legal proceedings
- jurisdiction: official legal authority over an area or case
- jurisprudence: the theory or philosophy of law
Jur keeps oath or solemn law. To adjure is to urge or command with serious oath-weight.
The lawyer adjured the witness to speak plainly and leave nothing hidden.
Adjure is not a casual request. It has solemn pressure in it, as if the speaker is calling on duty, conscience, or oath to force the truth out.