swear
Translation
to vow, to promise solemnly, to curse, to use bad language
Examples
I swear to tell the truth.
I swear to tell the truth.
He swore at the other driver.
He swore at the other driver.
She swore she had locked the door.
She swore she had locked the door.
Grammar Patterns
to swear ((to-inf)) to promise solemnly to do sth. I swear to tell the truth.
to swear ((that + clause)) to state sth. very strongly and sincerely She swore that she had locked the door.
to swear ((at sb./sth.)) to use offensive language towards sb./sth. He swore at the other driver.
Similar Words
Synonyms (promise): vow, pledge, promise; Synonyms (curse): curse, blaspheme
Etymology
From Old English 'swerian', 'to make a solemn declaration', related to 'answer'.
Memory Tips
It has two very different meanings: a serious promise ('I swear to tell the truth') and using bad language ('He started swearing').