swear
Translation
to swear, to vow, to curse
Examples
I swear to tell the truth.
I swear to tell the truth.
He started swearing at the other driver.
He started swearing at the other driver.
I swear I didn't do it.
I swear I didn't do it.
Grammar Patterns
((to-inf)) to promise solemnly I swear to tell the truth.
((at sb.)) to use offensive language towards (sb.) He started swearing at the other driver.
((that + clause)) to state something emphatically I swear that I didn't do it.
Similar Words
Synonyms: vow, promise, curse, cuss; Antonyms: deny, repudiate
Etymology
From Old English 'swerian', 'to take an oath'.
Memory Tips
You can 'swear an oath' (promise) or 'swear at someone' (curse). Both are strong uses of words.