swear (swâr)v. swore (swôr, sw r), sworn (swôrn, sw rn), 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. Phrasal Verbs: swear at To use abusive, violent, or blasphemous language against; curse. swear by1. 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.]
swear er n. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Verb | 1. | swear out - deliver a warrant or summons to someone; "He was processed by the sheriff"subpoena - serve or summon with a subpoena; "The witness and her records were subpoenaed" wash, rinse - clean with some chemical process deliver - bring to a destination, make a delivery; "our local super market delivers" |