swear by

S s

Definitions of swear by words

verb without object swear by to make a solemn declaration or affirmation by some sacred being or object, as a deity or the Bible. 1
verb without object swear by to bind oneself by oath. 1
verb without object swear by to give evidence or make a statement on oath. 1
verb without object swear by to use profane oaths or language: Don't swear in front of the children. 1
verb with object swear by to declare, affirm, attest, etc., by swearing by a deity, some sacred object, etc. 1
verb with object swear by to affirm, assert, or say with solemn earnestness. 1

before 900

One of the 4% oldest English words

before 900; Middle English sweren, Old English swerian; cognate with German schwören, Old Norse sverja; akin to Gothic swaran to swear; see answer

noun

adjective

verb

adverb

pronoun

preposition

conjunction

determiner

exclamation

A common word. It’s meaning is known to most children of preschool age. About 89% of English native speakers know the meaning and use the word.

Most Europeans know this English word. The frequency of it’s usage is somewhere between "mom" and "screwdriver".

This diagram is provided by Google Ngram Viewer

believe — If you believe that something is true, you think that it is true, but you are not sure.
build on — to construct (especially something complex) by assembling and joining parts or materials: to build a house.
count on — If you count on something or count upon it, you expect it to happen and include it in your plans.
hold — to have or keep in the hand; keep fast; grasp: She held the purse in her right hand. He held the child's hand in his.
lap up — (of water) to wash against or beat upon (something) with a light, slapping or splashing sound: Waves lapped the shoreline.