oath: Meaning and Definition of

oath

Pronunciation: (ōth), [key]
— pl. oaths
  1. a solemn appeal to a deity, or to some revered person or thing, to witness one's determination to speak the truth, to keep a promise, etc.: to testify upon oath.
  2. a statement or promise strengthened by such an appeal.
  3. a formally affirmed statement or promise accepted as an equivalent of an appeal to a deity or to a revered person or thing; affirmation.
  4. the form of words in which such a statement or promise is made.
  5. an irreverent or blasphemous use of the name of God or anything sacred.
  6. any profane expression; curse; swearword: He slammed the door with a muttered oath.
  7. to swear solemnly; vow.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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