swear
UK: sweə | US: swer
v. to make a solemn promise or declaration, often invoking a divine witness
v. to use offensive or vulgar language; curse
v. to affirm or insist emphatically
The word "swear" originates from Old English swerian, meaning "to take an oath." It is rooted in Proto-Germanic swarjaną, which carries the same sense of solemn declaration. Over time, the word expanded to include the act of using profane language, likely due to the intensity and taboo nature of such utterances, which paralleled the gravity of oaths. The dual meanings reflect the word’s connection to forceful or sacred speech acts.
Witnesses must swear to tell the truth in court.
He angrily swore under his breath when he dropped the glass.
"I swear I didn’t take your book," she insisted.
The knight swore allegiance to the king.
It’s unprofessional to swear in a formal meeting.