An oath is a solemn promise or affirmation made to God, a deity, or some other sacred object, that a person will tell the truth, perform an act, or maintain a promise. It is usually taken in the form of a formal declaration that includes the use of divine or judicial authority and is intended to bind the person taking it to fulfill their word. Oaths have been used for centuries as a means of establishing trust between individuals and ensuring compliance with promises made.