Definition of "swear" []

• To make a solemn declaration, invoking a deity or a sacred person or thing, in confirmation of and witness to the honesty or truth of such a declaration. (verb-intransitive)
• To make a solemn promise; vow. (verb-intransitive)
• To use profane oaths; curse. (verb-intransitive)
• Law To give evidence or testimony under oath. (verb-intransitive)
• To declare or affirm solemnly by invoking a deity or a sacred person or thing. (verb-transitive)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Now thats what I call a swear word he must have been a brave lad and New that Brownie would use it."
• "Comments posted to BBC blogs will be removed if they are considered likely to provoke, attack or offend others; are racist, sexist, homophobic, sexually explicit, abusive or otherwise objectionable; are considered to have been posted with an intention to disrupt; contain swear words (including abbreviations or alternative spellings) or other language likely to offend."
• "I have a 4 year old Boykin that I would swear is part mule."