oath

noun

ˈōth 

plural oaths ˈōt͟hz 

ˈōths

1

a(1)

: a solemn usually formal calling upon God or a god to witness to the truth of what one says or to witness that one sincerely intends to do what one says

(2)

: a solemn attestation of the truth or inviolability of one's words

The witness took an oath to tell the truth in court.

b

: something (such as a promise) corroborated by an oath

They were required to swear an oath of loyalty.

took the oath of office

2

: an irreverent or careless use of a sacred name

broadly : swear word

He uttered an oath and stormed away.

Synonyms

• pledge
• promise
• troth
• vow
• word

Examples of oath in a Sentence

an oath to defend the nation

He uttered an oath and walked away.

Recent Examples on the Web

As a result, Gingrich called on Republicans to take an oath to agree to the next stopgap bill. —Jenny Goldsberry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 22 Dec. 2024

Do the president and vice president-elect take an oath? —Marley Malenfant, Austin American-Statesman, 17 Dec. 2024

Veterinarians take an oath to protect animal welfare and public health and play a key role in mitigating disease threats. —Crystal Heath and Gene Baur, TIME, 6 Dec. 2024

She's violated her oath, eradicated our sovereign border, and unleashed an army of gangs and criminal migrants from prisons and jails. —NBC News, 3 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English ooth, from Old English āth; akin to Old High German eid oath, Middle Irish oeth

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Phrases Containing oath

• Hippocratic oath
• oath of office
• on oath
• under oath

Kids Definition

oath

noun

ˈōth 

plural oaths ˈōt͟hz 

ˈōths

1

: a solemn appeal to God or to some deeply respected person or thing to witness to the truth of one's word or the sincerity of a promise

under oath to tell the truth

2

: a careless or improper use of a sacred name

also : swearword

Medical Definition

oath

see hippocratic oath

Legal Definition

oath

noun

1

: a solemn attestation of the truth of one's words or the sincerity of one's intentions

specifically : one accompanied by calling upon a deity as a witness

2

: a promise (as to perform official duties faithfully) corroborated by an oath compare perjury