Meaning & Definition of word "Witness"

Witness

/ˈwɪt.nəs/

1. A person who sees an event, typically a crime or accident, take place.
- Example: The witness testified in court about what happened that night.
2. A person who gives evidence, especially in a court of law.
- Example: The judge called on the witness to provide their account of the incident.
3. A person who is present at an event and can attest to the facts.
- Example: Several witnesses reported seeing the unusual spacecraft in the sky.

1. To see or hear an event occur.
- Example: She witnessed the signing of the peace treaty between the two nations.
2. To provide evidence or testimony about an event.
- Example: He witnessed the accident and was asked to give a statement to the police.
3. To be a witness to the happening of something.
- Example: Many people witnessed the historical event unfold in front of their eyes.

Middle English: from Old English witnes, from wit ‘knowledge’, from witten ‘to know’.

witness to something:

To have personal knowledge or experience of an event.

witness stand:

The place in a courtroom where a witness sits to give testimony.

a witness for the prosecution:

A person who testifies for the side that accuses in a trial.

testimony:

A formal written or spoken statement, especially in a court of law.

evidence:

Information presented in a court to support or refute a case.

affirmation:

A formal declaration that something is true.

Meaning: To see an event happen, often used in informal contexts.

Example Sentence: Did you witness that crazy fight at the bar last night?

Meaning: To back someone up or agree with their story.

Example Sentence: I can witness for her, she was definitely there.