An Encylopedia Britannica Company

swear

1 swear /ˈsweɚ/ verb
swears; swore /ˈswoɚ/ ; sworn /ˈswoɚn/ ; swearing
1 swear
/ˈsweɚ/
verb
swears; swore /ˈswoɚ/ ; sworn /ˈswoɚn/ ; swearing
Britannica Dictionary definition of SWEAR
: to state (something) very strongly and sincerely
[+ object]
[no object]
: to promise very strongly and sincerely to do or not do something
[+ object]
[no object]
[no object] : to use offensive words when you speak often + at
: to make a formal or official promise especially in a court of law
[+ object]
[no object]
[+ object] : to cause (someone) to make a promise
often used as (be) sworn

I swear

informal
used for emphasis

swear by

[phrasal verb]
swear by (something)
: to have or express a lot of confidence in (something) : to say that (something) is very good or useful

swear in

[phrasal verb]
swear (someone) in or swear in (someone)
: to place (someone) in a new office or position by having an official ceremony in which that person makes a formal promise to do the work properly, to be honest and loyal, etc. often used as (be) sworn in see also swearing-in

swear off

[phrasal verb]
swear off (something) chiefly US
: to stop doing, having, or being involved in (something)
see also sworn
2 swear /ˈsweɚ/ noun
plural swears
2 swear
/ˈsweɚ/
noun
plural swears
Britannica Dictionary definition of SWEAR
[count] US, informal