to make a solemn statement or promise, often with the implication of a penalty for failure to keep it, to use offensive language, to take an oath in a court of law

swear like a trooper, swear on a stack of Bibles, swear up and down

Formal and Informal Expressions of swear

In different contexts, you can replace 'swear' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'affirm, avow' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'curse, cuss' is a commonplace synonym.

swear: Explore its Definition & Usage

swear Definition

1to make a solemn statement or promise, often with the implication of a penalty for failure to keep it
2to use offensive language
3to take an oath in a court of law

Using swear: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "swear" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
I swear I will never tell anyone.
Example
He swore at the driver who cut him off.
Example
The witness was asked to swear on the Bible.
Example
She swore allegiance to the queen.

swear Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for swear

Antonyms for swear

Idioms Using swear

swear like a trooper
to use profanity or vulgar language excessively
Example
He was so angry that he was swearing like a trooper.
swear on a stack of Bibles
to make a solemn and binding statement, often with the implication of truthfulness
Example
I swear on a stack of Bibles that I didn't steal the money.
swear up and down
to assert or declare emphatically and with conviction
Example
He swore up and down that he had nothing to do with the crime.

Phrases with swear

swear by
to have great confidence in or reliance on
Example
She swears by her grandmother's home remedies.
swear in
to administer an oath to someone, especially a public official
Example
The judge will swear in the new mayor tomorrow.
swear off
to make a resolution to abstain from something, especially a bad habit
Example
After his heart attack, he swore off cigarettes and alcohol.

Origins of swear

from Old English 'swerian', meaning 'to swear an oath'

📌

Summary: swear in Brief

The verb 'swear' [swɛr] has three main meanings: making a solemn statement or promise, using offensive language, and taking an oath in a court of law. It can be used in phrases like 'swear by,' expressing confidence, and 'swear off,' indicating a resolution to abstain from something. Idioms like 'swear like a trooper' and 'swear on a stack of Bibles' add color and emphasis to speech.