swear
verb (used without object)
to make a solemn declaration or affirmation by some sacred being or object, as a deity or the Bible.
was swearing
-
past progressiveof swear.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Then, just as the judge was swearing in the jury, hard lines started softening.
From New York Times ● Apr. 20, 2023
But I was on a show in the ‘90s and the ‘00s called “Arliss” on early HBO, and there was swearing on that show, and they were like ... no.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 8, 2022
As Ryan was swearing in Kansas congressman Gary Marshall in a mock ceremony, Marshall’s teenage son, Cal, put his nose to his elbow, and pointed his other arm in the opposite direction.
From The Guardian ● Jan. 4, 2017
“The second was swearing in the vice president, which was something I don’t think I would have ever imagined,” she said.
From US News ● Sep. 15, 2014
Each was swearing quietly to his or her own God.
From "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho
