Swear Definition
swâr
swearing, swears, swore, sworn
verb
swearing, swears, swore, sworn
To make a solemn declaration with an appeal to God or to something held sacred for confirmation.
To swear on one's honor.
Webster's New World
To make a solemn promise; vow.
Webster's New World
To declare solemnly in the name of God or of something held sacred.
Webster's New World
To use profane or obscene language; curse.
Webster's New World
To give evidence under oath.
Webster's New World
noun
A swearword.
American Heritage
idiom
swear by
- to name (something held sacred) in taking an oath
- to have great faith or confidence in
Webster's New World
swear for
- to give assurance for; guarantee
Webster's New World
swear in
- to administer an oath to (a person taking office, a witness in a legal proceeding, etc.)
Webster's New World
swear off
- to promise to give up, leave off, or renounce
Webster's New World
swear out
- to obtain (a warrant for someone's arrest) by making a charge under oath
Webster's New World
Origin of Swear
-
Middle English sweren from Old English swerian swer- in Indo-European roots
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
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