English主要词典
oath
Universal Words
1 a formal promise to do sth or a formal statement that sth is true:
to take / swear an oath of allegiance * Before giving evidence, witnesses in court have to take the oath (= promise to tell the truth). * All members had to swear a solemn oath never to reveal the secrets of the organization. * You are bound by oath to tell the truth.
2 (old-fashioned) an offensive word or phrase used to express anger, surprise, etc.; a swear word:
She heard the sound of breaking glass, followed by a muttered oath.
IDIOMS
on / under oath (law) having made a formal promise to tell the truth in a court of law:
Is she prepared to give evidence on oath? * The judge reminded the witness that he was still under oath. * You have sworn under oath that you never met this man.
