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WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2024swear /swɛr/USA pronunciation v., swore/swɔr/USA pronunciation sworn/swɔrn/USA pronunciation swear•ing. - to make a solemn statement, promise, or declaration by some sacred being or object, as a deity or the Bible: [no object][usually: not: be + ~-ing]He swore on the Bible.[~ + (that) clause]He swore (that) he would tell the truth.[~ + to + verb]You swore to tell the truth.
- to use obscene or profane language: [no object]He swore viciously when the driver cut him off.[~ + at + object]He swore at the driver who cut him off.[used with quotations]"That's all I damn well need!'' he swore.
- to bind or make (someone) promise by an oath:[~ + object + to + object]They swore her to secrecy.
- swear by, [usually: not: be + ~-ing* ~ + by + object]
- to name (a sacred being or object) as one's witness:I swear by my mother's grave that what I'm telling you is true.
- to have great confidence in;
trust in:Whenever he has a cold he swears by this mixture of tea, lemon juice, and honey.
- swear in, to admit to office or service by administering an oath: [~ + in + object]The Chief Justice swore in the President.[~ + object + in]to swear him in.
- swear off, [~ + off + object] to promise (oneself) to give up (something):He said he had sworn off drugs and alcohol.
- Law swear out, [~ + out + object] to secure (a warrant for arrest) by making an accusation under oath:to swear out a warrant for his arrest.
swear•er, n. [countable] WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2024swear (swâr),USA pronunciation v., swore or (Archaic) sware; sworn; swear•ing. v.i. - to make a solemn declaration or affirmation by some sacred being or object, as a deity or the Bible.
- to bind oneself by oath.
- Lawto give evidence or make a statement on oath.
- to use profane oaths or language:Don't swear in front of the children.
v.t. - to declare, affirm, attest, etc., by swearing by a deity, some sacred object, etc.
- to affirm, assert, or say with solemn earnestness.
- to promise or undertake on oath or in a solemn manner;
vow. - Lawto testify or state on oath:He swore it on the witness stand.
- to take (an oath), as in order to give solemnity or force to a declaration, promise, etc.
- to bind by an oath:to swear someone to secrecy.
- swear by:
- to name (a sacred being or thing) as one's witness or guarantee in swearing.
- Informal Termsto have great confidence in;
rely on:He swears by his dentist. - to have certain knowledge of:I thought I saw him leaving, but I couldn't swear by it.
- swear in, to admit to office or service by administering an oath:A new president will be sworn in today.
- swear off, to promise or resolve to give up something, esp. intoxicating beverages.
- Law swear out, to secure (a warrant for arrest) by making an accusation under oath.
- bef. 900; Middle English sweren, Old English swerian; cognate with German schwören, Old Norse sverja; akin to Gothic swaran to swear; see answer
swear′er, n. swear′ing•ly, adv. - 1.See corresponding entry in Unabridged declare, affirm, avow.
- 3.See corresponding entry in Unabridged depose, testify.
- 4.See corresponding entry in Unabridged imprecate. See curse.
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