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swear in

B2 formal separable transitive
In simple words

To officially make someone take a special promise (an oath) so they can start an important job or legal role.

Literal meaning: To swear someone in (to their new role/office).

Meanings

1 B2 formal

To formally admit someone to a public office or official role by having them take an oath.

"The Chief Justice swore in the new president on the steps of the Capitol."

"I, Barack Hussein Obama, do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States."

— Barack Obama, Presidential Oath of Office, Inauguration Ceremony, Washington D.C., January 20, 2009
Grammar: separable
2 B2 formal

To formally admit a witness, juror, or other legal participant by having them take an oath to tell the truth or fulfil their duty.

"The judge asked the clerk to swear in the jury before the trial began."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Used in legal, governmental, and military contexts. A judge is typically the person who swears in a president, official, or witness. The passive form 'be sworn in' is very common: 'She was sworn in as president.' Common in news reporting.

Commonly used with

president judge jury witness officer official

Forms

Base
swear in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
swears in
he/she/it
Past simple
sweared in
yesterday
Past participle
sweared in
have + pp
-ing form
swearing in
continuous

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