swear by

swear  (swâr)

v. swore (swôr, swr), sworn (swôrn, swrn), swear·ing, swears

v.intr.

1. To make a solemn declaration, invoking a deity or a sacred person or thing, in confirmation of and witness to the honesty or truth of such a declaration.

2. To make a solemn promise; vow.

3. To use profane oaths; curse.

4. Law To give evidence or testimony under oath.

v.tr.

1. To declare or affirm solemnly by invoking a deity or a sacred person or thing.

2. To promise or pledge with a solemn oath; vow: He swore his oath of allegiance to the queen. See Synonyms at promise.

3. To utter or bind oneself to (an oath).

4. Law To administer a legal oath to: All the witnesses have been sworn.

5. To say or affirm earnestly and with great conviction.

n.

A swearword.

Phrasal Verbs:

swear at

To use abusive, violent, or blasphemous language against; curse.

swear by

1. To have great reliance on or confidence in: He swears by his personal physician.

2. To have reliable knowledge of; be sure of: I think she left early, but I couldn't swear by it.

3. To take an oath by: He swore by all the angels and saints of heaven.

swear in

To administer a legal or official oath to: swear in a mayor.

swear off Informal

To pledge to renounce or give up: She has sworn off cigarettes.

swear out Law

To obtain (a warrant for arrest) by making a charge under oath.

---

[Middle English sweren, from Old English swerian; see swer- in Indo-European roots.]

---

swearer n.

Translations

? swear by

vi +prep obj (inf) → schwören auf (+acc)