witness
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.1wit·ness
noun \ˈwit-nəs\Definition of WITNESS
1
: attestation of a fact or event : testimony
2
: one that gives evidence; specifically : one who testifies in a cause or before a judicial tribunal
3
: one asked to be present at a transaction so as to be able to testify to its having taken place
4
: one who has personal knowledge of something
5
a : something serving as evidence or proof : sign b : public affirmation by word or example of usually religious faith or conviction <the heroic witness to divine life — Pilot>
6
capitalized : a member of the Jehovah's Witnesses
See Examples of WITNESS
- The defense called its first witness to the stand.
- a witness for the defense
- His aunt and uncle were witnesses at his baptism.
- There must be two witnesses present when she signs the document.
Origin of WITNESS
Middle English witnesse, from Old English witnes knowledge, testimony, witness, from 2wit
First Known Use: before 12th century
Related to WITNESS
- Synonyms
- attestation, confirmation, corroboration, documentation, evidence, substantiation, testament, testimonial, testimony, validation, voucher, proof
- Antonyms
- disproof
Other Legal Terms
Rhymes with WITNESS
2witness
verbDefinition of WITNESS
transitive verb
1
: to testify to : attest
2
: to act as legal witness of
3
: to furnish proof of : betoken
4
a : to have personal or direct cognizance of : see for oneself <witnessed the historic event> b : to take note of <our grammar— witness our verb system—is a marvel of flexibility, variety, and exactitude — Charlton Laird>
5
: to constitute the scene or time of <structures … which this striking Dorset hilltop once witnessed — Times Literary Supplement>
intransitive verb
1
: to bear witness : testify
2
: to bear witness to one's religious convictions <opportunity to witness for Christ — Billy Graham>
Examples of WITNESS
- Several people witnessed the accident.
- We are witnessing a historic moment.
- He witnessed the signing of her will.
First Known Use of WITNESS
14th century
Related to WITNESS
- Synonyms
- attest, authenticate, avouch, testify (to), vouch (for), certify
See Synonym Discussion at certify
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