witness

/ˈwɪtnəs/

noun

  1. 1

    Attestation of a fact or event; testimony.

    She can bear witness, since she was there at the time.
  2. 2

    One who sees or has personal knowledge of something.

    As a witness to the event, I can confirm that he really said that.
  3. 3

    Someone called to give evidence in a court.

    The witness for the prosecution did not seem very credible.
  4. 4

    One who is called upon to witness an event or action, such as a wedding or the signing of a document.

    The bridesmaid and best man at a wedding typically serve as the witnesses.
  5. 5

    Something that serves as evidence; a sign or token.

verb

  1. 1

    To furnish proof of, to show.

    1667: round he throws his baleful eyes / That witness'd huge affliction and dismay — John Milton, Paradise Lost, Book 1 ll. 56-7
  2. 2

    To take as evidence.

  3. 3

    To see or gain knowledge of through experience.

    He witnessed the accident.
  4. 4

    (construed with to or for) To present personal religious testimony; to preach at (someone) or on behalf of.

  5. 5

    To see the execution of (a legal instrument), and subscribe it for the purpose of establishing its authenticity.

    to witness a bond or a deed

Synonyms

Translate “witness” to another language

Click any language to open the translator with this word already filled in.