swear

1. 1

   To take an oath, to promise intensely, solemnly, and/or with legally binding effect.ambitransitive

   • The knight swore not to return to the palace until he had found the treasure.
2. 2

   To take an oath that an assertion is true.transitive

   • The witness swore that the person she had seen running out of the bank was a foot shorter than the accused.
3. 3

   To promise intensely that something is true; to strongly assert.transitive

   • I swear I don't know what you're talking about.
   • My little brother is such a pest, I swear.
4. 4

   To administer an oath to (a person).transitive

   • Let the witness be sworn.
5. 5

   To use offensive, profane, or obscene language.ambitransitive

   • An Australian was once appointed on contract, but he swore too much.

syn. swear · blaspheme · curse · curse like a pagan · curse like a trooper · curse like a sailor · cuss · eff and blind · eff and jeff · execrate · imprecate · swear like a cutter

ant. mind one's language

1. 1

   A swear word.

   • You might think it funny to hear this Kanaka girl come out with a big swear. No such thing. There was no swearing in her — no, nor anger; she was beyond anger, and meant the word simple and serious.
   • [A]ccording to his kind the man would smile cynically, or look sad, or let out a swear or two.

1. 1

   Heavy.Northern-EnglandScotland

2. 2

   Top-heavy; too high.Northern-EnglandScotland

3. 3

   Dull; lazy; slow.Northern-EnglandScotland

   • Rise up gueedewife, an dinna be sweer, / B'soothan, b'soothan, / An deal yir chirity t' the peer, / An awa b'mony a toon.
4. 4

   Reluctant; unwilling.Northern-EnglandScotland

   • But faith, to glump ye I'd be sweer / I wish ye luck o' this new year
   • My father will maybe be a wee sweer to take ye in, but ye maun make your way on him the best gate ye can; he has the best stockit pantry on Teviot head, but a bit of a Laidlaw's fault, complaining aye maist when he has least reason.
5. 5

   Niggardly.Northern-EnglandScotland

   • For if my Pen shall turn as Sweir's their Purse / I fear this is the last I'll write in Verse

1. 1

   A lazy time; a short rest during working hours (especially field labour); a siesta.Northern-EnglandScotland

1. 1

   To be lazy; rest for a short while during working hours.Northern-EnglandScotland

syn. swear · blaspheme · curse · curse like a pagan · curse like a trooper · curse like a sailor · cuss · eff and blind · eff and jeff · execrate · imprecate · swear like a cutter

ant. mind one's language