Comprehensive
Dictionary Suite
Help
Help
Help
 
     
Lookup History
swear

swear

 
 
pronunciation:
sweIr
parts of speech:
transitive verb, intransitive verb
phrases:
swear by, swear in, swear off
features:
Word Combinations (verb), Word Explorer, Grammatical Patterns
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: swears, swearing, swore, sworn
definition 1: to vow, declare, or affirm in the name of a deity or in the presence of a sacred object.
With her hand on the Bible, the witness swore that her testimony would be the truth.[verb + (that) + clause ] The President swore to uphold the Constitution.[verb + infinitive ]
synonyms:
asseverate
similar words:
affirm, aver, avouch, avow, declare, depose, pledge, profess, promise, vow
definition 2: to vow, declare, or affirm in an earnest and solemn manner.
He swore that he would never lie to her again.[verb + (that) + clause ] The two friends swore to stick together no matter what.[verb + infinitive ]
synonyms:
affirm, pledge, promise, vow
definition 3: to state under legal oath; testify.
On the stand, she swore that this was the man she had seen that night.[verb + (that) + clause ]
synonyms:
attest, testify
similar words:
depose
definition 4: to take (an oath) to give force to a promise, declaration, or the like.
The knight swore his oath of allegiance to the lord.
synonyms:
pledge
similar words:
depose, take an oath, vow
definition 5: to administer an oath to.
The spy swore his military contact to secrecy.
similar words:
adjure, bind, pledge
 
part of speech: intransitive verb
definition 1: to make a solemn and often binding declaration in the name of a deity or in the presence of a sacred object.
The witness cannot testify until he has sworn.
synonyms:
vow
similar words:
covenant, declare, depose, pledge, promise
definition 2: to make an earnest and solemn declaration or vow.
They wouldn't believe her until she swore.
definition 3: to make a statement or give evidence under oath; testify (usu. fol. by "to").
She has sworn to the truth of the testimony.
synonyms:
testify
similar words:
attest, depose, pledge
definition 4: to use profane or obscene language.
The car ahead of him stopped suddenly, and he swore as he slammed on the brakes.
synonyms:
curse, cuss
similar words:
anathematize, blaspheme, damn
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
phrase: swear by, swear in, swear off
derivation: swearer (n.)
Word Explorer
See
  anger, language