oath

[ ohth ]

noun

, plural oaths [oh, th, z, ohths].

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.

   Synonyms: pledge, vow

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.

   Synonyms: profanity

6. any profane expression; curse; swear word:

   He slammed the door with a muttered oath.

oath

/ əʊθ /

noun

1. a solemn pronouncement to affirm the truth of a statement or to pledge a person to some course of action, often involving a sacred being or object as witness juratory
2. the form of such a pronouncement
3. an irreverent or blasphemous expression, esp one involving the name of a deity; curse
4. on oath or upon oath or under oath
   1. under the obligation of an oath
   2. law having sworn to tell the truth, usually with one's hand on the Bible
5. take an oath
   to declare formally with an oath or pledge, esp before giving evidence

Word History and Origins

Origin of oath¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English oth, Old English āth; cognate with Gothic aiths, Old Norse eidhr, German Eid

Word History and Origins

Origin of oath¹

Old English āth; related to Old Saxon, Old Frisian ēth, Old High German eid

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. take an oath, to swear solemnly; vow.

Example Sentences

On Friday, the territory announced that they have adjusted the law to give the option of taking one of the two oaths.

From BBC

But Epps testified under oath to the House committee investigating the attack that he had no involvement with the FBI, which has also stated publicly that he had no association with the bureau.

From Los Angeles Times

Following his outburst, the judge reminded Giuliani that it would probably be best if he let his lawyer do the talking and reserve his own commentary for when he's under oath.

From Salon

They were to be sworn early this month but that process stalled after they refused to take the oath.

From BBC

The case would be paused anyway after 20 January, when Trump takes the oath of office, he said.

From BBC

Related Words

• affidavit
• deposition
• pledge
• testimony
• vow