Definition of swear

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swear    (swâr) KEY 

VERB:
swore  (swôr, swr) KEY , sworn  (swôrn, swrn) KEY , swear·ing, swears
VERB:
intr.

1. To make a solemn declaration, invoking a deity or a sacred person or thing, in confirmation of and witness to the honesty or truth of such a declaration.
2. To make a solemn promise; vow.
3. To use profane oaths; curse.
4. Law To give evidence or testimony under oath.

VERB:
tr.

1. To declare or affirm solemnly by invoking a deity or a sacred person or thing.
2. To promise or pledge with a solemn oath; vow: He swore his oath of allegiance to the queen. See Synonyms at promise.
3. To utter or bind oneself to (an oath).
4. Law To administer a legal oath to: All the witnesses have been sworn.
5. To say or affirm earnestly and with great conviction.

PHRASAL VERBS:
swear at

To use abusive, violent, or blasphemous language against; curse.

swear by

1. To have great reliance on or confidence in: He swears by his personal physician.
2. To have reliable knowledge of; be sure of: I think she left early, but I couldn't swear by it.
3. To take an oath by: He swore by all the angels and saints of heaven.

swear in

To administer a legal or official oath to: swear in a mayor.

swear off Informal

To pledge to renounce or give up: She has sworn off cigarettes.

swear out Law

To obtain (a warrant for arrest) by making a charge under oath.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English sweren, from Old English swerian; see swer- in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
swearer(Noun)