1. (

• affirm ,
• verify ,
• assert ,
• avow ,
• aver ,
• swan ,
• swear ,

) to declare or affirm solemnly and formally as true; "Before God I swear I am innocent" ;

2. (

• avow ,
• avouch

) admit openly and bluntly; make no bones about ;

1. (

• avowed ,
• professed

) openly declared as such; "an avowed enemy"; "her professed love of everything about that country"; "McKinley was assassinated by a professed anarchist" ;