Phrase guide

swear off

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To quit or cease completely, or to promise to quit, as a bad habit.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • One of these days, he thinks he will swear off his nightly television regimen and get some exercise.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

promise to abstain from

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • I have sworn off cigarettes altogether

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: promise, assure

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.