swear (B1)
verb
Pronunciation: /swɛər/
Definition
To use offensive, profane, or obscene language, often when angry or in pain.
Examples
He tried not to swear in front of the children.
She let out a string of swears when she dropped the plate.
It's generally considered rude to swear in formal settings.
How to Use swear
- swear at (prepositional phrase)
- To use offensive language directed at someone or something. — "Don't swear at your mother!"
- swear by (prepositional phrase)
- To have great confidence in the effectiveness or quality of something. — "My grandmother swears by herbal remedies."
- swear off (phrasal verb)
- To promise to stop doing something, especially something harmful or unpleasant. — "He swore off drinking alcohol after his health scare."
- swear an oath (collocation)
- To make a solemn promise, often in a legal or formal setting. — "The president must swear an oath of office."
Synonyms of swear
Words with a similar meaning to swear:
Antonyms of swear
Words with the opposite meaning to swear:
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