pro·fess 
/prəˈfɛs/ verb
pro·fess·es; pro·fessed; pro·fess·ing /prəˈfɛs/ verb [+ obj] formal 1 : to say or declare (something) openly
▪ He professes confidence in his friend. ▪ They profess loyalty to the king. ▪ He professes himself (to be) unsatisfied with their decision. 2 : to say that you are, do, or feel something when other people doubt what you say : claim — followed by to + verb ▪ They professed to be our friends. ▪ She professed to know nothing about the missing money. ▪ She professed to be pleased with the outcome, but we knew the truth. 3 old-fashioned : to believe in (a particular religion)
▪ He professes Judaism/Catholicism/Islam.
▪ He professes confidence in his friend. ▪ They profess loyalty to the king. ▪ He professes himself (to be) unsatisfied with their decision.
▪ He professes Judaism/Catholicism/Islam.
