vow
n. countablen. a serious, formal promise to do something. People often make these during important ceremonies like weddings or when joining a religious group.
n. a solemn promise or pledge, often made before a deity or in a formal ritual context. Frequently implies a lifelong or sacred commitment that is legally or morally binding.
The couple exchanged a vow of love during the ceremony.
After years of working in the city, he took a vow of silence and moved to a remote monastery.
The knight's solemn vow to protect the kingdom was tested when he was forced to choose between his personal honor and the safety of the crown.
Inherited from Middle English vowe, voue, that from Old French vut, in turn from Latin vōtum (“a promise, dedication, vow”), from vovēre (“to promise, vow”). Not related to avow. Doublet of vote.
Often used with the verbs 'take', 'make', 'break', or 'keep'.