swear

swear [swer]

vi.

swore, sworn, swearing [ME swerien < OE swerian, akin to Ger schwören < IE base * swer-, to speak > OSlav svariti, to revile]

1. to make a solemn declaration with an appeal to God or to something held sacred for confirmation [to swear on one's honor]

2. to make a solemn promise; vow

3. to use profane or obscene language; curse

4. Law to give evidence under oath

vt.

1. to declare solemnly in the name of God or of something held sacred

2. to pledge or vow on oath

3. to assert or promise with great conviction or emphasis

4. to take (an oath) by swearing

5. to administer a legal oath to

SYN.- BLASPHEMY

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swear by

1. to name (something held sacred) in taking an oath

2. to have great faith or confidence in

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swear for

to give assurance for; guarantee

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swear in

to administer an oath to (a person taking office, a witness, etc.)

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swear off

to promise to give up, leave off, or renounce

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☆ swear out

to obtain (a warrant for someone's arrest) by making a charge under oath

swearer

n.