swear
swear
UK[sweə]US[swer]
v
to use words that are offensive or considered taboo, especially as an expression of anger
v
to make a serious, formal promise, often in a legal or official context
v
to state something very emphatically and insist that it is true
Etymology
the verb 'swear' originates from the old english swerian, meaning "to take an oath." this old english term is descended from the proto-germanic swarjaną, which carries the same sense of making a solemn declaration. the proto-germanic root is further traced back to the proto-indo-European swer-, meaning "to speak, talk." this etymological journey reveals the core logic of the word: the act of speaking with grave seriousness, which branches into the dual modern meanings of uttering a binding promise and using profane speech, both involving speech acts of intense commitment or emotion.
Analysis
the word is a simplex form derived from old english swerian. it is not productively composed of separable modern english morphemes.
Examples
he was so frustrated that he let out a string of swear words.
witnesses must swear on the bible to tell the truth in court.
i swear i had no idea about the surprise party they were planning.