1 C1 idiomatic formal
To obtain an arrest warrant or formal legal complaint by making a sworn statement before an official.
"The victim swore out a warrant for her ex-partner's arrest after he threatened her."
separable
swear out
C1 formal separable transitive
To obtain a legal warrant or formal complaint by making a sworn statement to the authorities.
In plain English
To go to the police or a court and officially accuse someone by signing a sworn statement so they can be arrested.
What does "swear out" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To swear something out — to formally produce a legal document through the act of swearing an oath.
Actually means
To go to the police or a court and officially accuse someone by signing a sworn statement so they can be arrested.
Usage tip
Almost exclusively a legal/law enforcement term. Most commonly heard in the phrase 'swear out a warrant' or 'swear out a complaint.' Primarily American English; rare in everyday speech.
Words that pair with "swear out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
warrant complaint arrest warrant affidavit charges
How to conjugate "swear out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
swear out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
swears out
he/she/it
Past simple
sweared out
yesterday
Past participle
sweared out
have + pp
-ing form
swearing out
continuous
Hear "swear out" in the wild
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Other ways to say "swear out"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
file a warrant issue a complaint lodge a sworn complaint obtain a warrant
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