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1. Profane or obscene expression usually of surprise or anger
   - curse, curse word, expletive, oath, swearword, cuss [informal], cussword [N. Amer, informal]
    
2. A commitment to tell the truth (especially in a court of law); to lie under oath is to become subject to prosecution for perjury
   - oath
    
3. The use of language considered offensive, obscene or taboo
   - foul language, strong language, bad language

1. Utter obscenities or profanities
   "The drunken men were swearing loudly in the street";
   - curse, cuss [informal], blaspheme, imprecate, eff [Brit, informal], eff and blind [Brit]
    
2. To declare or affirm solemnly and formally as true
   "Before God I swear I am innocent";
   - affirm, verify, assert, avow, aver
    
3. Promise solemnly; take an oath
    
4. Make a deposition; declare under oath
   - depose, depone
    
5. Have faith or confidence in
   - count, bet, depend, rely, bank, look, calculate, reckon

Derived forms: swearings

See also: swear off [informal]

Type of: commitment, declare, dedication, express, give tongue to, profanity, pronounce, trust, utter, verbalise [Brit], verbalize, vow

Encyclopedia: Swearing