affidavit

[af-i-dey-vit]

noun

Law.

1. a written declaration upon oath made before an authorized official.

affidavit

/ ˌæfɪˈdeɪvɪt /

noun

1. law a declaration in writing made upon oath before a person authorized to administer oaths, esp for use as evidence in court

Other Word Forms

• preaffidavit noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of affidavit¹

First recorded in 1615–25; from Medieval Latin affīdāvit “(he) has declared on oath,” 3rd-person singular perfect of affīdāre “to declare an oath”; affiance

Word History and Origins

Origin of affidavit¹

C17: from Medieval Latin, literally: he declares on oath, from affīdare to trust (oneself) to; see _affiance

Example Sentences

California residents must sign an affidavit under penalty of perjury to register to vote.

From Los Angeles Times

An officer told Nunez that they were conducting a “federal investigation” and threatened to arrest him, according to affidavit.

From Los Angeles Times

The unidentified girl suffered head trauma and had multiple fractured and signs of past bone breaks, a police said in an affidavit.

From Los Angeles Times

He also demanded that Gandhi either give an affidavit under oath proving his allegations, or apologise to the nation for his remarks.

From BBC

A doctor who examined the child told police the girl had “intracranial hemorrhage, brain injury, cervical spine injury and retinal hemorrhages” and other injuries, the affidavit said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• oath 
• testimony