swore

A witness swore to tell the truth in court.

Definition

1. Verb (past tense of "swear"):
   • Made a solemn promise: "swore" is the simple past tense of "swear," meaning to make a serious or formal promise, often invoking a deity or sacred object as witness.
   • Used profanity: "swore" also means to use offensive or obscene language, especially in anger or frustration.
   • Gave testimony under oath: In legal contexts, "swore" means to declare something formally and truthfully, often in a court of law.

Usage Examples

• Made a solemn promise:

  • He swore to protect his family. (He made a serious promise to keep them safe.)
  • She swore that she would never lie again. (She promised formally to be truthful.)

• Used profanity:

  • He swore loudly when he stubbed his toe. (He used offensive language in pain or anger.)
  • The driver swore at the other motorist. (He directed curse words at the other person.)

• Gave testimony under oath:

  • The witness swore to tell the truth in court. (He made a formal declaration before testifying.)
  • They swore an oath of allegiance to the queen. (They promised loyalty formally.)

Advanced Usage

• "swore by": to express strong belief in or trust in something.

  • She swore by herbal remedies for colds. (She firmly believed they were effective.)
  • He swore by his mechanic's honesty. (He trusted him completely.)

• "swore off": to promise to give up or avoid something.

  • After the accident, he swore off alcohol. (He promised to stop drinking.)
  • She swore off junk food for a month. (She decided to abstain from it.)

Variants and Related Words

• Swear (verb, present tense): to make a solemn promise or use profanity.

  • I swear I will finish the work. (I promise solemnly.)

• Sworn (past participle): used in perfect tenses or as an adjective.

  • He has sworn to keep the secret. (He has made the promise.)
  • They are sworn enemies. (They are confirmed opponents.)

• Swearing (noun or gerund): the act of using profanity.

  • Swearing is not allowed in this classroom. (Using offensive language is prohibited.)

Synonyms

• Vowed: made a solemn promise.

  • He vowed to never return. (He pledged formally.)

• Cursed: used offensive language.

  • She cursed when she dropped the plate. (She swore in anger.)

Phrasal Verbs

• Swear in: to formally induct someone into a position by having them take an oath.

  • The judge swore in the new president. (He administered the oath of office.)

• Swear out: to obtain a warrant by making a sworn statement.

  • The officer swore out a search warrant. (He filed a sworn affidavit to get the warrant.)

Related Idioms

• Swear like a trooper: to use profanity frequently or vehemently.

  • He swore like a trooper when his car broke down. (He cursed heavily.)

• Swear by all that is holy: to make a very serious promise or statement.

  • I swear by all that is holy, I did not steal it. (I promise with utmost sincerity.)