— swearer , n. — swearingly , adv.
/swair/ , v. , swore or ( Archaic ) sware; sworn; swearing .
v.i.
1. to make a solemn declaration or affirmation by some sacred being or object, as a deity or the Bible.
2. to bind oneself by oath.
3. to give evidence or make a statement on oath.
4. to use profane oaths or language: Don't swear in front of the children.
v.t.
5. to declare, affirm, attest, etc., by swearing by a deity, some sacred object, etc.
6. to affirm, assert, or say with solemn earnestness.
7. to promise or undertake on oath or in a solemn manner; vow.
8. to testify or state on oath: He swore it on the witness stand.
9. to take (an oath), as in order to give solemnity or force to a declaration, promise, etc.
10. to bind by an oath: to swear someone to secrecy.
11. swear by ,
a. to name (a sacred being or thing) as one's witness or guarantee in swearing.
b. Informal. to have great confidence in; rely on: He swears by his dentist.
c. to have certain knowledge of: I thought I saw him leaving, but I couldn't swear by it.
12. swear in , to admit to office or service by administering an oath: A new president will be sworn in today.
13. swear off , to promise or resolve to give up something, esp. intoxicating beverages.
14. swear out , to secure (a warrant for arrest) by making an accusation under oath.
[ bef. 900; ME sweren, OE swerian; c. G schwören, ON sverja; akin to Goth swaran to swear; see ANSWER ]
Syn. 1. declare, affirm, avow. 3. depose, testify. 4. imprecate. See curse .