Definition of: oath

(ōth) noun plural oaths (ōthz)
1. A solemn attestation in support of a declaration or a promise, by an appeal to God or to some person or thing regarded as high and holy; also, the declaration or promise so supported.
2. Law Such an attestation or affirmation of the truth of a statement as renders liable to punishment for perjury one who wilfully thus asserts what is not true.
3. The form of words in which such attestation is made.
4. A frivolous and blasphemous use of the name of the Deity or of any sacred name or object, as in appeal or ejaculation.
5. An imprecation lightly or humorously used. [OE āth] Synonyms: adjuration, affidavit, anathema, ban, blasphemy, curse, denunciation, execration, imprecation, malediction, profanity, reprobation, swearing, vow. In the highest sense, as in a court of justice, “an oath is a reverent appeal to God in corroboration of what one says”; an affidavit is a sworn statement made in writing in the presence of a competent officer; an adjuration is a solemn appeal to a person in the name of God to speak the truth. An oath is made to man in the name of God; a vow is usually made to God. In the lower sense, an oath may be mere blasphemy or profane swearing. Anathema, curse, execration, and imprecation are modes of invoking vengeance or retribution from a superhuman power upon the person against whom they are uttered. Anathema is a solemn ecclesiastical condemnation of a person or of a proposition. Curse may be just and authoritative; as, the curse of God; or, it may be wanton and powerless. Execration expresses most of personal bitterness and hatred; imprecation refers to the coming of the desired evil upon the person against whom it is uttered. Malediction is a general wish of evil, a less usual but very expressive word. Compare TESTIMONY. Antonyms: benediction, benison, blessing