swear

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swear /sw'eər/ (swears swearing swore sworn)
1 [VERB] V, V at n
If someone swears, they use language that is considered to be rude or offensive, usually because they are angry.
It's wrong to swear and shout...
They swore at them and ran off.
2 [VERB] V that, V to-inf, V n, V n
If you swear to do something, you promise in a serious way that you will do it.
Alan swore that he would do everything in his power to help us...
We have sworn to fight cruelty wherever we find it...
The police are the only civil servants who have to swear allegiance to the Crown...
I have sworn an oath to defend her.
3 [VERB] V that, V on/by n that, V to n
If you say that you swear that something is true or that you can swear to it, you are saying very firmly that it is true.
I swear I've told you all I know...
I swear on all I hold dear that I had nothing to do with this...
Behind them was a confusion of noise, perhaps even a shot, but he couldn't swear to it.
4 [VERB] usu passive, be V-ed to n
If someone is sworn to secrecy or is sworn to silence, they promise another person that they will not reveal a secret.
She was bursting to announce the news but was sworn to secrecy.
5
see also swornswear by
[PHRASAL VERB] V P n
If you swear by something, you believe that it can be relied on to have a particular effect. (INFORMAL)
Many people swear by vitamin C's ability to ward off colds.swear in
[PHRASAL VERB] usu passive, be V-ed P
When someone is sworn in, they formally promise to fulfil the duties of a new job or appointment.
Soon after the New Year, the new Congress will come to Washington to be sworn in.swear word (swear words)
also swearword
[N-COUNT]
A swear word is a word which is considered to be rude or offensive. Swear words are usually used when people are angry.

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