SWEAR

vt to appeal to by an oath.

2. swear ·vt to declare or charge upon oath; as, he swore treason against his friend.

3. swear ·vi to give evidence on oath; as, to swear to the truth of a statement; he swore against the prisoner.

4. swear ·vt to utter or affirm with a solemn appeal to god for the truth of the declaration; to make (a promise, threat, or resolve) under oath.

5. swear ·vi to make an appeal to god in an irreverant manner; to use the name of god or sacred things profanely; to call upon god in imprecation; to curse.

6. swear ·vt to put to an oath; to cause to take an oath; to administer an oath to;

— ofetn followed by in or into; as, to swear witnesses; to swear a jury; to swear in an officer; he was sworn into office.

7. swear ·vi to affirm or utter a solemn declaration, with an appeal to god for the truth of what is affirmed; to make a promise, threat, or resolve on oath; also, to affirm solemnly by some sacred object, or one regarded as sacred, as the bible, the koran, ·etc.