Definition Definition

swear - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'swear' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Swear [ v. i.]
- 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.
- To give evidence on oath; as, to swear to the truth of a statement; he swore against the prisoner.
- 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.
2 . Swear [ v. t.]
- 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.
- 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.
- To declare or charge upon oath; as, he swore treason against his friend.
- To appeal to by an oath.

Meaning of 'swear' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . swear [ v]
Meaning (1):
- to declare or affirm solemnly and formally as true
Example in sentence:
  • Before God I swear I am innocent
Meaning (2):
- have faith or confidence in
Example in sentence:
  • Depend on your family in times of crisis;
  • Look to your friends for support;
  • You can bet on that!;
  • you can count on me to help you any time
Meaning (3):
- utter obscenities or profanities
Example in sentence:
  • The drunken men were cursing loudly in the street