profess

Universal Words verb (formal) 1 to claim that sth is true or correct, especially when it is not: [VN] She still professes her innocence. * [Vtoinf] I don't profess to be an expert in this subject. 2 to state openly that you have a particular belief, feeling, etc: [VN] He professed his admiration for their work. * [VN-ADJ] She professed herself satisfied with the progress so far. 3 [VN] to belong to a particular religion: to profess Christianity / Islam / Judaism