SWEAR OFF • FREE TRANSLATOR.ORG • Definition of Swear off

Add this Dictionary
to your website!
See more options...

/swɛr ɔf/ Listen

verb

Swear v. i. (past swore, formerly sware; past part. sworn; pres. part. swearing)

To affirm or utter a solemn declaration, with an appeal to God for the truth of what is affirmed; to make a promise, threat, or resolve on oath; also, to affirm solemnly by some sacred object, or one regarded as sacred, as the Bible, the Koran, etc. "Ye shall swear by my name falsely." "I swear by all the Roman gods."

(Law) To give evidence on oath; as, to swear to the truth of a statement; he swore against the prisoner.

To make an appeal to God in an irreverant manner; to use the name of God or sacred things profanely; to call upon God in imprecation; to curse. "(I) swore little; diced not above seven times a week."

To swear by, to place great confidence in a person or thing; to trust implicitly as an authority. "I simply meant to ask if you are one of those who swear by Lord Verulam."

To swear off, to make a solemn vow, or a serious resolution, to abstain from something; as, to swear off smoking. (Slang)

See images of 'Swear off'

Etymology of 'Swear off'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

Share |

"Swear off" Quotes from Famous Books

... I was saying, I feel that I have no business saying things about,—about anybody you call your friend, and I think I'll just swear off swearing, ...

— The Story of the Soil • Cyril G. Hopkins

... SIMPSON," is the reply. "I've made up my mind to swear off, sir.—I'll tell you what I'll do, SIMPSON," continues the Ritualistic organist, with sudden confidential affability. "I'll make an agreement with you, that whichever of us catches the other slipping-up first in the New Year, shall be entitled ...

— Punchinello Vol. 1, No. 21, August 20, 1870 • Various

... for Alf. At the time when he threw his remaining "coffin nails" in the cook's fire he really did "swear off," and he afterwards was able to refrain from the use of tobacco in any form. He grew taller and stouter and developed his muscles. Tom and Harry employed him at the mine as a checking clerk, ...

— The Young Engineers in Nevada • H. Irving Hancock