Oath, curse

Definition

= action by which the name of a deity is invoked and asked to punish a wrong-doer; ◄ contexts in which this may happen include: (1) covenants and agreements, where the deity is asked to punish those who do not obey the terms of the agreement, (2) cases where a supposedly wrongful act has been committed, but where there is not enough certainty about the identity of the person who is responsible, and (3) in order to prevent people from committing a wrongful action, knowing that the deity's punishment will be upon them if they do so