/əʊθ; oθ/
n (pl ~s / EUTz; oTz/)
1 (words used in making a) solemn promise to do sth or solemn declaration that sth is true (usu appealing to God, etc as a witness) 誓言; 誓词; 誓约; 宣誓
*There is a standard form of oath used in lawcourts. 法庭中使用的誓词有固定的格式.
2 casual or improper use of the name of God, etc to express anger, surprise, etc; swear-word （表示愤怒、惊奇等的）咒骂, 诅咒语
*He hurled a few oaths at his wife and walked out, slamming the door. 他咒骂了妻子几句, 砰的一声关上门就走了.
3 (idm 习语) be on/under `oath (law 律) have sworn to tell the truth in a court of law 在法庭上宣过誓要说实话
*The judge reminded the witness that she was still under oath. 法官提醒证人, 她发过誓要说实话. on my `oath (dated 旧) (used to emphasize that one is telling the truth 用以强调本人所言属实)
*I didn't tell anyone, on my oath. 我保证我没有告诉过任何人. put/place sb on/under `oath (law 律) require sb to swear an oath 要求某人宣誓
*The witnesses were placed under oath. 要求证人宣誓. swear/take an `oath (esp law 尤用于法律) promise solemnly to tell the truth, give one's loyalty, etc 发誓, 宣誓, 立誓（说实话、效忠等）
*Before giving evidence the witness had to take an oath. 证人作证前要先宣誓.
* Government employees swear an oath not to reveal official secrets. 政府雇员宣誓不泄露官方机密.

npluraloaths [əuðz (US) ouðz/