Entry Word: swear

Function: verb

Meaning: 1 to use offensive or indecent language <you're not allowed to swear in this house>

Synonyms blaspheme, curse, cuss

Related Words confound, damn, execrate, imprecate; fulminate, rail, rant

2 to make a solemn declaration of intent <swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth> — see promise 1
3 to make a solemn declaration under oath for the purpose of establishing a fact <the sworn statement of the witness was presented as evidence> — see testify