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 Words From

• preaf·fi·davit 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

“The officers also noticed a white powder residue that was loose in the suitcase and was visible on their black gloves,” according to an affidavit summarizing the incident.

From Los Angeles Times

Tanjapatkul said in his interview with the FBI that he considered himself a “collector, trader, and hoarder of gear,” according to the FBI affidavit.

From Los Angeles Times

A police affidavit from that investigation appeared to show that Torres was being blackmailed by a 21-year-old Chicago man he had shared nude photos and explicit text conversations with, the Spotlight reported.

From Los Angeles Times

The mayor of Rancho Santa Margarita and a City Council candidate in Fullerton recently pleaded guilty to filing false affidavits attesting that they had personally collected and witnessed signatures on their nominating papers.

From Los Angeles Times

The affidavit alleges that he “began physically attacking a sleeping male passenger by punching him repeatedly in the face and head until blood was drawn.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• oath
• testimony