sworn

Sworn is the past participle of the verb swear. It is used chiefly as an adjective or in fixed verb phrases to indicate that someone is bound by an oath or that a statement is made under oath. The form is irregular, and its use is common in legal, governmental, and formal contexts.

In legal and official settings, sworn material is presented as having been given while the individual has taken an oath. Terms such as sworn testimony, sworn affidavit, and sworn declaration are standard, reflecting that the statements are made under oath and carry legal significance. Perjury, the act of lying under oath, is a distinct offense that can arise from statements labeled as sworn.

Sworn in the sense of induction refers to a formal initiation into a position or office. A person may be sworn in by administering an oath, after which they are officially recognized to assume duties. In common language, the phrase can also describe commitments or promises made with strong fidelity, such as sworn secrecy or sworn loyalty, often used metaphorically rather than as a legal instrument.

Usage notes include the common expression under oath, which, like sworn statements, signals a legal or formal commitment to truthfulness. The phrase on oath is also used in some jurisdictions, though under oath and sworn are generally understood as closely related. In everyday language, sworn is frequently encountered in phrases describing sworn enemies or sworn brothers, where the oath denotes a binding vow rather than a legal document.