State Under Oath is a legal term that refers to a person's obligation to tell the truth when testifying in court. The term can be broken down into four words: SWEAR, DEPOSE, AVOW, and TESTIFY. To SWEAR is to make a solemn promise or statement, usually under oath, that what one is saying is true. To DEPOSE is to give testimony under oath, especially in a legal proceeding. To AVOW is to declare or affirm something openly and firmly. Finally, to TESTIFY is to give evidence or bear witness to something, often under oath.