1 A2 neutral
To use rude, offensive, or profane language directed at someone, typically out of anger or frustration.
"The driver swore at the cyclist who had cut in front of his car."
inseparable
swear at
A2 neutral inseparable transitive
To direct offensive, rude, or profane language at someone, usually out of anger or frustration.
In plain English
To say bad words or rude things directly to someone because you are angry.
What does "swear at" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 A2 informal
To vent frustration by directing swear words at an inanimate object.
"He spent a good five minutes swearing at his computer when it crashed and he lost all his work."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To direct swear words at someone.
Actually means
To say bad words or rude things directly to someone because you are angry.
Usage tip
Very common and widely understood across all varieties of English. The target of the swearing is marked by 'at.' Note the difference from 'swear by' (to trust) and 'swear in' (to administer an oath) — these are completely different meanings.
Words that pair with "swear at"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
driver referee screen customer child computer
How to conjugate "swear at"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
swear at
I/you/we/they
3rd person
swears at
he/she/it
Past simple
sweared at
yesterday
Past participle
sweared at
have + pp
-ing form
swearing at
continuous
Hear "swear at" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "swear at" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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