testify

tes·ti·fy

verb \ˈtes-tə-ˌfī\

tes·ti·fiedtes·ti·fy·ing

Definition of TESTIFY

intransitive verb

1

a : to make a statement based on personal knowledge or belief : bear witness

b : to serve as evidence or proof

2

: to express a personal conviction

3

: to make a solemn declaration under oath for the purpose of establishing a fact (as in a court)

transitive verb

1

a : to bear witness to : attest

b : to serve as evidence of : prove

2

archaic

a : to make known (a personal conviction)

b : to give evidence of : show

3

: to declare under oath before a tribunal or officially constituted public body

— tes·ti·fi·er \-ˌfī(-ə)r\ noun

Examples of TESTIFY

1. She refused to testify about who had given her the information.
2. She testified before Congress today.
3. He agreed to testify against his drug dealer.
4. He testified that he'd seen two people leave the building on the night of the murder.
5. These statistics testify that the program is working.
6. Several people testified during the revival meeting.

Origin of TESTIFY

Middle English testifien, from Anglo-French testifier, from Latin testificari, from testis witness

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to TESTIFY

Synonyms

attest, depose, swear, witness, bear witness

Related Words

verify; vouch; promise, vow

Rhymes with TESTIFY

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