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swear

6 ENTRIES FOUND:

1swear

verb \ˈswer\
swore\ˈswr\sworn\ˈswrn\swear·ing

Definition of SWEAR

transitive verb
1
: to utter or take solemnly (an oath)
2
a : to assert as true or promise under oath <a sworn affidavit> <swore to uphold the Constitution> b : to assert or promise emphatically or earnestly <swore he'd study harder next time>
3
a : to put to an oath : administer an oath to b : to bind by an oath <swore them to secrecy>
4
obsolete : to invoke the name of (a sacred being) in an oath
5
: to bring into a specified state by swearing <swore his life away>
intransitive verb
1
: to take an oath
2
: to use profane or obscene language : curse
swear·er noun
swear by
: to place great confidence in <swears by his mechanic>
swear for
: to give assurance for : guarantee
swear off
: to vow to abstain from : renounce <swear off smoking>

Examples of SWEAR

  1. He swore revenge on the killers.
  2. I swear to God, I'll kill him if he comes back.
  3. Don't swear in front of the children.
  4. I do solemnly swear to tell the whole truth.

Origin of SWEAR

Middle English sweren, from Old English swerian; akin to Old High German swerien to swear and perhaps to Old Church Slavic svarŭ quarrel
First Known Use: before 12th century

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