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/ˈwɪt.nəs/
Meaning & Definition
noun
A person who sees an event, typically a crime or accident, take place.
The witness testified in court about what happened that night.
A person who gives evidence, especially in a court of law.
The judge called on the witness to provide their account of the incident.
A person who is present at an event and can attest to the facts.
Several witnesses reported seeing the unusual spacecraft in the sky.
verb
To see or hear an event occur.
She witnessed the signing of the peace treaty between the two nations.
To provide evidence or testimony about an event.
He witnessed the accident and was asked to give a statement to the police.
To be a witness to the happening of something.
Many people witnessed the historical event unfold in front of their eyes.
Etymology
Middle English: from Old English witnes, from wit ‘knowledge’, from witten ‘to know’.
Common Phrases and Expressions
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.
Related Words
Slang Meanings
To see an event happen, often used in informal contexts.
Did you witness that crazy fight at the bar last night?
To back someone up or agree with their story.
I can witness for her, she was definitely there.