swearing

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.

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.

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

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swearer n.

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	swearing - profane or obscene expression usually of surprise or anger; "expletives were deleted" curse, curse word, expletive, oath, swearword, cuss profanity - vulgar or irreverent speech or action
	2.	swearing - a commitment to tell the truth (especially in a court of law); to lie under oath is to become subject to prosecution for perjury oath dedication, commitment - a message that makes a pledge

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swearing

noun bad language, cursing, profanity, blasphemy, cussing (informal) foul language, imprecations, malediction