What does perjurer mean?
A perjurer is someone who knowingly makes a false statement while under oath or in another formal declaration. The word is most often used in legal and political contexts, especially when a witness has contradicted testimony given in court or violated a formal promise to tell the truth. Unlike the general word “liar,” “perjurer” identifies a specific breach of an official or solemn undertaking, so it carries a particularly serious and condemnatory force. The term can describe a person accused of perjury, although the accusation itself must be established rather than assumed. In general use, it is rhetorical and forceful, so writers should be careful that the evidence supports such a serious characterization. The related noun “perjury” names the offence, while “perjure” is the verb for making a false statement under oath.
nounA perjurer is a person who knowingly makes a false statement under oath or solemn declaration. The term is especially associated with court proceedings, legal testimony, and formal declarations.
- A person who knowingly makes a false statement under oath or in a formal declaration.
"The witness was accused of being a perjurer after contradicting statements made under oath."
"The investigator suspected that the key witness was a perjurer."
"Calling a public official a perjurer is a serious accusation that requires strong evidence."
The plural is formed by adding “-s.”
"Several perjurers were identified during the inquiry."
A perjurer does more than tell a lie: the word carries the weight of a formal promise made before the law.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does perjurer come from?
The word comes from Latin perjurare, formed from per-, meaning “to go beyond” or “to violate,” and jurare, “to swear.” The Latin term developed into English through Old French and Middle English. It is related to “perjury,” “perjure,” and “juror,” all of which belong to the same broad tradition of swearing and giving evidence.
Related word forms
How perjurer is actually used
This is a formal and strongly condemnatory term. It is most common in legal, journalistic, and political contexts, where it implies deliberate deception rather than an ordinary mistake.
Easily confused with perjurer
A perjurer is the person who gives a false statement under oath, whereas perjury is the act of making such a statement.