B2nounformallawpolitics
US/oʊθ/
UK/əʊθ/
a formal promise, often made in public, to tell the truth or to do something
In context
The witness took an oath to tell the whole truth in court.
The new president swore an oath to protect the constitution.
Many doctors still recite the Hippocratic oath when they graduate.
Words that go with oath
verb + noun
- take an oathEvery new citizen must take an oath.
- swear an oathHe had to swear an oath of loyalty to the king.
- break an oathShe would never break an oath to her country.
noun + preposition
- under oathLying under oath is a serious crime.
- oath of officeThe mayor read the oath of office.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
make an oath for the truthCorrect: take an oath to tell the truth