testify

verb

tes·​ti·​fy ˈte-stə-ˌfī How to pronounce testify (audio)
testified; testifying

intransitive verb

1
: to make a solemn declaration under oath for the purpose of establishing a fact (as in a court)
2
a
: to make a statement based on personal knowledge or belief : bear witness
b
: to serve as evidence or proof
3
: to express a personal conviction

transitive verb

1
a
: to bear witness to : attest
b
: to serve as evidence of : prove
2
: to declare under oath before a tribunal or officially constituted public body
3
archaic
a
: to make known (a personal conviction)
b
: to give evidence of : show
testifier noun

Examples of testify in a Sentence

She refused to testify about who had given her the information. She testified before Congress today. He agreed to testify against his drug dealer. He testified that he'd seen two people leave the building on the night of the murder. These statistics testify that the program is working. Several people testified during the revival meeting.
Recent Examples on the Web None of Brennan's co-workers enjoyed testifying against her father, and Angela even got held in contempt rather than play a part in the conviction. Kelly Connolly, EW.com, 21 Mar. 2024 Both witnesses subsequently testified under oath without any promises or protection, and they were given nothing for their testimony. Tresa Baldas, Detroit Free Press, 21 Mar. 2024 The valet also testified about the contrast between the reaction of White House staffers and Mr. Trump as the riot was underway. Maggie Haberman, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2024 Two years later, Fleetwood testified for the prosecution at Taylor’s trial. The Enquirer, 21 Mar. 2024 Americans work 200 hours a year more than workers in France, the Netherlands and Britain, Schor testified. Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2024 She isn’t expected to be called to testify in Lynch’s criminal trial, even though her leadership of the company is likely to be put under a microscope during the proceedings. Michael Liedtke, Fortune, 18 Mar. 2024 Defendants Kenneth Chesebro, Sidney Powell, Jenna Ellis and Scott Hall subsequently took plea deals in exchange for agreeing to testify against other defendants. Olivia Rubin, ABC News, 18 Mar. 2024 Anderson tearfully testified about her trust in Whitehead as a man of God, only to realize she had been deceived. Melissa Noel, Essence, 15 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'testify.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 2a

Time Traveler
The first known use of testify was in the 14th century

Cite this Entry

“Testify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/testify. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

testify

verb
tes·​ti·​fy ˈtes-tə-ˌfī How to pronounce testify (audio)
testified; testifying
1
a
: to make a statement based on personal knowledge or belief
could testify to the student's devotion to her studies
b
: to make a formal statement of what one swears is true
testified in court
2
: to give outward proof : serve as a sign of
yawns testifying to fatigue
testifier noun

Legal Definition

testify

verb
tes·​ti·​fy ˈtes-tə-ˌfī How to pronounce testify (audio)
testified; testifying

intransitive verb

: to make a solemn declaration under oath or affirmation for the purpose of establishing a fact : give testimony

transitive verb

: to declare in testimony
testifier noun
Etymology

Latin testificari, from testis witness

More from Merriam-Webster on testify

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