Profess (verb)

1. To publicly declare or acknowledge one's belief or opinion.
2. To claim or pretend to have a particular skill or knowledge.

Origin:

From middle english professen, from old french profeser, from latin professus, past participle of profiteri ("to confess, acknowledge, profess"), from pro- ("forth") + fateri ("to confess").

Examples:

1. He professed his love for her in front of everyone.
2. She professed her innocence of the crime.
3. The scientist professed to have discovered a new element.
4. The candidate professed to have a plan to solve the problem.
5. The company professed to be committed to the environment.