Abjure

Abjure [ab-joor, -jur]

Verb

- solemnly renounce a belief, cause or a claim, esp. with formal solemnity
- to avoid or shun

Synonyms:

abnegate, renounce, foresware

Usage:

1. He abjured many long held beliefs when he converted to another relegion
2. For nearly 21 years after his resignation as prime minister, he abjured all his titles and preferred to remain as 'Mr.'.

Antonyms:

acknowledge, admit, affirm