I. ˈswer verb
( swore ˈswȯr ; sworn ˈswȯrn ; swear·ing )
Etymology: Middle English sweren, from Old English swerian; akin to Old High German swerien to swear and perhaps to Old Church Slavic svarŭ quarrel
Date: before 12th century
transitive verb
1. : to utter or take solemnly (an oath)
2.
a. : to assert as true or promise under oath
a sworn affidavit
swore to uphold the Constitution
b. : to assert or promise emphatically or earnestly
swore he'd study harder next time
3.
a. : to put to an oath : administer an oath to
b. : to bind by an oath
swore them to secrecy
4. obsolete : to invoke the name of (a sacred being) in an oath
5. : to bring into a specified state by swearing
swore his life away
intransitive verb
1. : to take an oath
2. : to use profane or obscene language : curse
• swear·er noun
•
- swear by
- swear for
- swear off
II. noun
Date: 14th century
: oath , swearword