noun
oath
OHTH
noun
1
A solemn formal promise, often invoking something sacred, to tell the truth or keep a commitment.
"The witness took an oath to tell the whole truth."
"New officers swear an oath before taking up their duties."
2
A curse word or swear word.
"He muttered an oath under his breath after hitting his thumb."
How to Use Oath
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA formal, serious promise (as in a courtroom or ceremony), or, less commonly, a swear word.
Common pairings
take an oath
under oath
swear an oath
Word Forms
oathed past tense, oaths plural, oaths singular
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The witness took an _____ to tell the whole truth.
Etymology
From Old English ath, from Proto-Germanic aithaz, meaning "oath".