witness1 nounwitness2 verb
witnesswit‧ness1 /ˈwɪtnəs/ ●●○ S3 W3 noun 
1crime/accident [countable] someone who sees a crime or an accident and can describe what happened: 
Police have appealed for witnesses to come forward.witness to One witness to the accident said the driver appeared to be drunk. an eye witness (=someone who sees an event) to the robbery → eyewitness2in a court of law [countable] someone who appears in a court of law to say what they know about a crime or other eventkey/star/principal witness the key witness in the case against the brothers The defence is expected to call them as witnesses.witness for the prosecution/defence (also prosecution/defence witness) (=someone the prosecution or defence lawyers choose as a witness in order to help prove their case) → expert witness3signing a document [countable] someone who is present when an official document is signed, and who signs it too, to say that they saw it being signedwitness to a witness to a will4be witness to something formal to be present when something happens, and watch it happening: We were witness to the worst excesses of the military.5christian belief [countable, uncountable] American English a public statement of strong Christian belief, or someone who makes such a statement → bear witness at bear1(15)COLLOCATIONS– Meaning 2ADJECTIVES/NOUN + witnessa key witness (=a very important witness)· Rupert is expected to be a key witness at the trial.a star witness (=an important witness who says things that help one side a lot)· The judge ruled that the state’s star witness had lied on the stand.a principal witness (=a main witness)· The principal witness was too ill to testify.an expert witness (=someone who has special knowledge, for example of medicine, and who talks about it in court)· The jury had to choose between the conflicting testimonies of expert witnesses.a character witness (=a witness who says that the person being tried is a good person)· He said he would gladly be a character witness for her.a prosecution witness· During the trial, over thirty prosecution witnesses were called.a defence witness· A defence witness said that Carter was not holding a gun when the shot was fired.phrasesa witness for the prosecution/defence· Witnesses for the prosecution have not sounded convincing.verbscall a witness (=require a witness to speak in court)· She was the final witness to be called.question a witness· They were not permitted to question government witnesses.cross-examine a witness (=ask them questions about what they have said)· His attorney cross-examined the witness.appear as a witness· He appeared as an expert witness at several government enquiries.a witness testifies (=makes a statement)· We had two witnesses who testified that they had seen him hitting his wife.a witness gives evidence· Child witnesses gave evidence using closed circuit television cameras.witness + NOUNthe witness box/stand (=where the witness sits when speaking in court)· He spent three hours in the witness stand.the statement/testimony of a witness (=what a witness says)· The testimony of one witness led to his conviction.witness1 nounwitness2 verb
witnesswitness2 ●●○ verb VERB TABLE
witness
| Simple Form | ||
| Present | I, you, we, they | witness |
| he, she, it | witnesses | |
| Past | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | witnessed |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have witnessed |
| he, she, it | has witnessed | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had witnessed |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will witness |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have witnessed |
| Continuous Form | ||
| Present | I | am witnessing |
| he, she, it | is witnessing | |
| you, we, they | are witnessing | |
| Past | I, he, she, it | was witnessing |
| you, we, they | were witnessing | |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have been witnessing |
| he, she, it | has been witnessing | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had been witnessing |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will be witnessing |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have been witnessing |
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- It is not legal unless the pastor witnesses the marriage license.
- Police are appealing for information from anyone who witnessed the attack.
- The crash was witnessed by millions of viewers who were watching the race on TV.
- A stock index does not oscillate with such frightening amplitude as we have witnessed recently unless to announce some tectonic change ahead.
- But Bobby just sat there with a wolfish grin as guests moved in to witness the spectacle.
- He has seen World Series and traveled to witness Opening Day in a handful of major-league cities.
- How often we have witnessed such hubris, and how loudly we have guffawed.
- I witnessed the Coventry versus Ipswich match recently.
- Meanwhile, on the passenger front, the four-mile Sanderstead-Elmers End line witnessed funereal acts on 13 May 1983.
- The crash was witnessed by scores of holiday weekenders along the beach.
THESAURUS
to realize that something is there or that something is happening, because you can see, hear, or feel it: · I noticed that he was rather quiet during dinner.· Children don’t seem to notice the cold.· ‘Julie’s home.’ ‘Yes, I noticed her bicycle outside.’
to notice something that is difficult to see, hear etc because it is very small, faint, or unclear. Detect is used about people and machines, and is more formal than notice: · X-ray telescopes can now detect virtually every type of astronomical object.· He thought he detected a flicker of interest in her eyes.
to notice something, especially something that is difficult to see or that you see for a short time only. Spot is more informal than notice: · Can you spot the difference between these two pictures?· I’m glad you spotted the mistake before it was too late.
to gradually begin to notice that something is happening or is true: · I became aware that Mum was getting a lot older.· Tessa became conscious of a feeling of guilt.
to be able to notice something because you can see, smell, hear it etc: · I could tell that she had been drinking.· Can you tell I’ve lost weight?
used to say that you suddenly notice something or someone because they are interesting, attractive, or good at something: · I saw this shirt in the shop window and it just caught my eye.· Clarke caught the eye of boss Bryan Robson when he scored for Newry last week.
formal to notice something as a result of watching or studying it closely: · Psychologists observed that the mice became more aggressive in smaller cages.
formal to notice something, especially that something is happening, or is true, or needs to be done: · The company quickly perceived the need for change.· Doctors perceive that they do not have adequate time to spend with their patients.
to see something happen because you are there at the time: · People have witnessed some great economic changes during the last ten years.
to not notice something because it is difficult to see: · It’s easy to miss the entrance – the sign is hidden behind a tree.
to notice something with your eyes, usually without planning to. Also used when saying that you watched a particular programme, film, game etc: · Have you seen my keys anywhere?· Did you see the basketball game last night?
to keep your eyes pointed toward someone or something, especially someone or something that is not moving: · I looked at the map.· She was looking at him in a strange way.
to see something interesting or unusual: · I noticed a police car outside their house.
to suddenly see something, especially something you are looking for: · Nick spotted the advertisement in the paper.
(also glimpse formal) to suddenly see someone or something for a short time, usually not clearly: · I caught sight of him in the hotel lobby, and followed him out the door.· He glimpsed her face as she went into the courtroom.
to see something, but only with difficulty: · Ahead, I could just make out the figure of a woman.
to see something happen, especially a crime or an accident: · The police are asking anyone who witnessed the attack to come forward.
formal to see and pay attention to something: · Officers observed him driving at 100 mph.
especially written to suddenly see something or someone from a long distance, especially when you have been looking for a long time: · The missing boys were sighted by a rescue helicopter.· The crew finally sighted land.
Longman Language Activatorto see someone or something · I saw your brother in town this morning.· Have you seen my pen anywhere?· If you see either of these men, inform the police immediately.· Did you see a white van parked out here earlier today?· When did you last see your dog?see somebody doing something · I saw Matt coming out of the cinema with Jane.· I first saw her feeding the ducks in the park.see somebody do something · She saw him get into a Porsche driven by a dark-haired woman.· I didn't see her arrive because I had my back turned.see who/what/where etc · It was too dark for her to see who the woman was.· Have you seen what Jake's done to his bedroom?can see somebody/something · Shh! I can see someone moving in the bushes.see something with your own eyes (=see something or someone yourself, especially something strange or surprising) · 'How do you know it's true?' 'Because I saw it with my own eyes!'
especially written to see someone or something for only a very short time, and not very clearly: · Rick caught sight of the driver's face as the car raced by.· Lynn caught a brief glimpse of herself in the mirror.
to suddenly see someone or something that you have been looking for, or something interesting or unusual: · A resident spotted a man sitting in his car watching the explosion and notified the police.· He was spotted in the Manhattan area in mid-May.· I spotted this article about it in the paper.
also clap eyes on British to see someone or something -- use this either when talking about the time when you first saw them, or when saying strongly that you have never seen them or never want to see them again: · This was the woman he was going to marry -- he knew it the moment he set eyes on her.· I'd never clapped eyes on the guy before in my life.· I hoped we would never set eyes on one another again.
to see something happen, especially an accident, a crime, or an important event: · Police are appealing for information from anyone who witnessed the attack.· The crash was witnessed by millions of viewers who were watching the race on TV.
especially written to suddenly see something or someone from a long distance, especially when you have been looking for a long time: · The missing boys were sighted by a rescue helicopter.· At least ten birds have been sighted feeding on the lake this year.· We sighted a fishing boat in the distance.
to be able to see someone or something clearly, even though you see them for only a very short time: get a good/proper look (at): · Hold it up to the light so I can get a proper look at it.· I don't think I could identify him. I didn't really get a good look.get a better look (at): · She stood on her toes to get a better look.get a close look (at): · I didn't get a close look at the driver, but I think he was middle-aged.· We drove into the prohibited zone, to get a closer look.
also see at first hand British if you see first hand something that is happening, you see it yourself, rather than being told about it by someone else: · Travelling in rural Thailand, I saw first hand the devastating effects of economic reform. · Central News has been to South America to see at first hand the lives that Oxfam hopes to improve.
WORD SETSaccess, nounacquit, verbacquittal, nounactionable, adjectiveact of God, nounadjourn, verbadminister, verbadmissible, adjectiveADR, nounadversarial, adjectiveadvocate, nounaffidavit, nounage, nounaggrieved, adjectiveagreement, nounannual return, anti-dumping, adjectiveantitrust, adjectiveAppeal Court, nounappear, verbappellate court, nounarraign, verbarticled clerk, articles of association, nounassignee, nounassizes, nounattachment, nounattest, verbattorney, nounattorney-at-law, nounattorney general, nounaverage clause, bailable, adjectivebailee, nounbailiff, nounbailment, nounban, nounbarrister, nounbeneficial owner, beneficiary, nounbequeath, verbbequest, nounbest efforts, adjectivebid-rigging, nounbill, nounbill of rights, nounblue law, nounbody corporate, bond, nounbook, verbbox, nounbreakdown clause, break fee, brief, nounbroker's lien, burden of proof, nounbusiness entity, buyer's risk, bylaw, nouncabotage, nouncadastre, nouncase, nouncase law, nouncash shell, nouncause, nouncause célèbre, nouncause of action, nouncaution, nouncaution, verbcertificate of incorporation, nouncertificate of protest, nouncertificate of search, nounchain of title, nounchallenge, nounchallenge, verbchancery, nounChapter 7, nouncharge, nouncharge, verbcharges register, chief justice, nouncircuit court, nouncite, verbcitizen's arrest, nouncivil, adjectivecivil law, nounclaim, nounclaimant, nounclass action, nounclause, nounclean, adjectivecloud on title, nouncollusion, nouncommerce clause, committal, nouncommon law, nouncommunity property, nounCommunity Reinvestment Act, nouncommutation, nounCompanies House, nouncompanies registry, company limited by guarantee, nouncompany limited by shares, nouncompany officer, competence, nouncompetent, adjectivecomplainant, nouncompletion, nouncompletion date, compliance officer, compulsory purchase, nounconditional discharge, nouncondition precedent, nouncondition subsequent, nounconduct money, confidentiality clause, confirmation hearing, conflict of laws, nounconjugal, adjectiveconsensus ad idem, nounconsent decree, consenting adult, nounconservator, nounconstituted, adjectiveconstitution, nounconstitutional, adjectiveconstitutionality, nouncontempt, nouncontest, verbcontingency fee, contract of insurance, nouncontract of purchase, nouncontract of service, nouncontravene, verbcontravention, nouncontributory negligence, nounconvey, verbconveyance, nounconveyancing, nounconvict, verbconviction, nouncopyright, nounco-respondent, nouncosignatory, nouncounsel, nouncounty court, nouncourthouse, nouncourt-martial, nouncourt-martial, verbCourt of Appeal, nounCourt of Appeals, nouncourt of inquiry, nouncourt of law, nounCourt of Queen's Bench, nouncourt order, nouncourt reporter, nouncourtroom, nouncramdown, nouncriminal, adjectivecriminal injury, criminalize, verbcriminal law, nouncross-examine, verbCrown Court, nouncurfew, nouncustodial, adjectiveD.A., noundata protection, death sentence, noundeath warrant, noundeclaration of association, noundecree, noundecree absolute, noundecree nisi, noundecriminalize, verbdeed, noundeed of conveyance, noundefalcation, noundefend, verbdefendant, noundeficiency judgment, noundeficiency judgment, de jure, adjectivedeposition, noundeputy, nounderivative lease, desertion, noundiminished responsibility, noundiplomatic immunity, noundirectors register, disabled quota, disbar, verbdischarge of contract, noundisclaim, verbdisclaimer, noundiscretionary, adjectivedisinherit, verbdismiss, verbdispense, verbdisposition, noundispossess, verbdissent, noundissolution, noundistrain, verbdistrict attorney, noundistrict court, noundivorce, noundivorce, verbdivorced, adjectivedocket, noundonee, noundouble jeopardy, noundraftsman, noundrink-driving, noundrunk driving, noundue process, nounduress, nouneasement, nounedict, nouneffective, adjectiveeminent domain, nounempower, verbenabling, adjectiveenabling clause, enact, verbendowment, nounenforced, adjectiveenjoin, verbescape clause, escrow, nounescrow agent, estate, nounestoppel, nounevidence, nounexamination, nounexamination-in-chief, nounexamine, verbexculpate, verbexecute, verbexecutor, nounexecutrix, nounexhibit, nounexpectations, nounex post facto law, nounexpropriate, verbextradite, verbextrajudicial, adjectivefair dealing, false representation, nounfee absolute, nounfiduciary, nounfiduciary, adjectivefinding, nounfirm name, nounfixtures and fittings, nounforce majeure, nounforeman, nounforewoman, nounfreeholder, nounfree pardon, nounfrustration of contract, fugitive, nounfugitive, adjectivegagging order, gag order, noungarnishee, verbgarnishee, noungeneral counsel, noungeneral practice, noungive, verbgrand jury, noungrantee, noungrantor, noungreen paper, noungross misconduct, ground rent, nounguarantee, verbguarantor, nounguaranty, nounguillotine, verbguilt, noungun control, nounhabeas corpus, nounHague Rules, nounhear, verbhearing, nounheir, nounheir apparent, nounhereafter, adverbhereditament, nounhereinafter, adverbhereof, adverbhereto, adverbheritable, adjectiveHigh Court, nounHighway Code, nounhirer, nounhuman right, nounimplied term, inadmissible, adjectiveinalienable, adjectiveincriminate, verbindemnify, verbindemnity, nounindict, verbindictable, adjectiveindictment, nounindustrial tribunal, nouninitiative, nouninjunction, nounin loco parentis, adverbinnocence, nouninnocent, adjectiveinoperative, adjectiveinquest, nouninsanity, nouninstruct, verbintellectual property, nounintent, nouninterdict, nouninterlocutory injunction, invoke, verbJane Doe, nounjob quota, joint and several liability, JP, nounjudge, nounjudge, verbjudicial, adjectivejuridical, adjectivejurisdiction, nounjurisprudence, nounjurist, nounjuror, nounjury, nounjury box, nounjury service, nounjustice, nounJustice of the Peace, nounjustifiable homicide, nounjuvenile, adjectivekangaroo court, nounKing's Counsel, nounlaw firm, nounlawyer, nounlease, nounleasehold, adjectiveleaseholder, nounlegatee, nounlegator, nounlessee, nounlessor, nounletters of administration, nounliable, adjectivelicensee, nounlien, nounlienee, nounlienor, nounlimited liability, nounliquidated damages, litigant, nounlitigate, verblitigation, nounlitigator, nounlitigious, adjectiveliving will, nounloophole, nounmagisterial, adjectivemagistracy, nounmagistrate, nounMagistrates' Court, nounmaintenance, nounmajority, nounmalfeasance, nounmalpractice, nounmarriage certificate, nounmarriage licence, nounmarriage lines, nounmaterial, adjectivematerial fact, nounmemorandum, nounmiscarriage of justice, nounmisdirect, verbmisfeasance, nounmisstatement, nounmistrial, nounM'lord, nounM'lud, nounmoiety, nounmonies, nounmoot court, nounmoratorium, nounmovable, nounno-fault, adjectivenolo contendere, nounnonfeasance, nounnon-negotiable, adjectivenotary, nounnuisance, nounnullify, verbnullity, nounoath, nounopen-and-shut case, nounopen verdict, nounoperative mistake, nounordinance, nounoriginating application, originating summons, outlaw, nounout-of-court settlement, nounoyez, interjectionpalimony, nounpanel, nounparalegal, nounpardon, verbpardon, nounparty, nounpass, verbpassage, nounpatent, nounpatent, adjectivepaternity, nounpaternity suit, nounpatrimony, nounpenal code, nounpenalty, nounperformance contract, perjury, nounpersonal injury, personal representative, personalty, nounpetition, nounpetition, verbpetitioner, nounplaintiff, nounplanning permission, nounplea bargaining, nounpleadings, nounpledgee, nounpolice, verbpositive discrimination, nounpower of attorney, nounprecedent, nounprejudice, verbpreservation order, nounpresume, verbprice-fixing, nounprima facie, adjectiveprimary residence, prime tenant, primogeniture, nounprivate law, nounprivileged, adjectiveprivity, nounprobate, nounprobate, verbprobation, nounprobationer, nounprobation officer, nounpro bono, adjectiveprocedural, adjectiveproceeding, nounproceedings, nounprohibit, verbprohibition, nounprohibitive, adjectivepromulgate, verbpronounce, verbproposition, nounproscribe, verbprosecute, verbprosecution, nounprosecutor, nounprotective custody, nounprove, verbprovision, nounprovisional licence, nounproximate cause, nounpublic defender, nounpublic prosecutor, nounpublic service vehicle, punishable, adjectiveQC, nounquarter sessions, nounquash, verbQueen's Counsel, nounreal property, nounrecess, nounrecess, verbrecognition, nounrecognizance, nounrecorder, nounreeve, nounregulation, nounremand, verbremand, nounrepeal, verbrescind, verbrespondent, nounrestoration, nounrestore, verbretainer, nounretrial, nounretroactive, adjectiveretrospective, adjectiveretry, verbreversion, nounrevocation, nounrevoke, verbRex, nounright of appeal, nounroad tax, nounroot of title, royalty payment, rule, verbruling, nounsaid, adjectivesalami slicing, nounSarbanes-Oxley Act, nounscheme of arrangement, nounsentence, nounsentence, verbsequester, verbsession, nounsettlement date, settlement terms, shall, modal verbshell company, sheriff, nounsheriff court, nounshow trial, nounsitting tenant, nounsmall claims court, nounsolicitor, nounsolicitor general, nounSOX, nounspecial licence, nounspecific performance, speed limit, nounstakeholder, nounstate attorney, nounstate court, nounstated case, statute, nounstatute law, nounstatute of limitations, nounstatutory, adjectivestatutory report, stay, nounstay of execution, nounstipendiary magistrate, nounstoppage in transit, nounsub judice, adverbsubmission, nounsuborn, verbsubpoena, nounsubpoena, verbsue, verbsuit, nounsumming up, nounsumming-up, nounsummons, nounsummons, verbSupreme Court, nounsurety, nounsuspended sentence, nounswear, verbtechnicality, nountenant at sufferance, nountenant at will, nountenant for years, nountenant in common, nountenure, nountestament, nountestator, nountest case, nountest certificate, nountestify, verbtestimony, nounthereinafter, adverbthird party, nounthrough, prepositionticket, nounticket, verbtitle, nountitle deed, nountitle holder, nountort, nountradename, nounTrading Standards, treasure trove, nountrespass, verbtrespass, nountrial, nountrust for sale, nounultra vires, adjectiveunderwriting power, undue influence, noununlicensed, adjectiveuphold, verbverdict, nounvindicate, verbvisa, nounvoucher, nounward, nounwarrant, nounwhereas, conjunctionwill, nounwill, verbwinding up, nounwitness, nounwitness, verbwitness box, nounwrit, nounwrongful termination,
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY Will you witness my signature?COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES
Will you witness my signature? (=an account of an event, given by the person who saw it happen)· an eye-witness account of the attack
(=see it happen)· Luckily, a film crew were on the spot to witness the event.
(=someone who can give important information about a crime)· She will be a key witness in the murder trial.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB· He actually witnessed the death of the last animal in his study group.· When we actually witness the nitty-gritty details of a school day, we can anticipate the problems our child may have.· Ken didn't actually witness either the murder or the suicide.
· He found it difficult to reconcile the opulence he had just witnessed with the poverty of some of the surrounding districts.· I felt as if I had just witnessed the end of the world.· It had seemed to us like certain death from the beginning of this hideous drama we had just witnessed.· Relieved, she now felt the full and shocking weight of what she had just witnessed.· What we have just witnessed is the importance of having a very specific objective.
· Such a sight as the chapel of Redruth afforded, and the other towns and parishes in succession was never witnessed here.· For his part, Mayor Miller says he plays racquetball, and thus has never witnessed Thoreson sharing the greens with developers.· But I have never witnessed anything so triumphantly awful as Notre Dame, Fourviere.· Personally, I never witnessed such an event.· Here was a footballer the like of which the Whaddon faithful had never witnessed before.· I never witnessed an adult raise his or her hand, or even voice, to a child.· I never witnessed a serious quarrel or observed anyone I would describe as angry.· He had never witnessed anything so electrifying.
NOUN· Police in Lurgan want anyone who witnessed the accident to contact them on 0762-325144.· His two sons Graham, aged eight, and Craig, six, witnessed the accident.· She joined the Red Cross after witnessing a horse riding accident.· Anyone who witnessed the accident is asked to contact police at Portadown 332424.· Mr Woods' teenage daughter Michelle, who'd gone with him on the trip, witnessed the accident.
· We are witnessing the birth of a civilization which nurtures ideas and creativity precisely because it is so rich in diversity.· If problems are anticipated a statement from some one who witnessed the birth is good evidence.
· The first decade of the twentieth century witnessed the polarization of these positions under the impact of growing political activism.· The middle years of the nineteenth century witnessed a continued preoccupation with the consequences of urbanisation.· The early 1990s - not the twenty-first century - will witness this breakthrough.· The late nineteenth century witnessed a heightening of this process.· The second half of the nineteenth century witnessed a repetition of this process.· The twentieth century has witnessed the realisation of these objectives, perhaps even beyond the horizons of Paracelsus's fertile imagination.
· Mourning dress, too, was witnessing a change.· I was witnessing a change or perhaps the destruction of a character.· We are witnessing the third change in three years, a change that will produce further misery and confusion.· The early 1980s witnessed a radical change in patterns of heroin taking, alongside the global increase.· Recent years have witnessed a sea change in the fortunes of car safety as a marketable quantity.· But we do not have to go back to prehistoric times to witness the change in our diet.· The early 1980s witnessed dramatic changes in Sheffield's economy.· Recent years have also witnessed changes in the overall structure of art education courses.
· He actually witnessed the death of the last animal in his study group.· The Great War had witnessed the death of a world and a world order.· Fernand had witnessed death, but he was not a violent man.
· Her life had witnessed many remarkable events.· Emily had, by age eighteen, witnessed stirring and historic events.· We witness a number of events from several points of view.· Observers in the Naples area witness the event.· She had witnessed this event before.· Happened all the time, women witnessing events that deformed their unborn children.· Personally, I never witnessed such an event.· From 1849 Newgrange was excavated enough for anyone to witness this yearly event.
· Benjamin remained locked in the sombre mood which had dogged him since he had witnessed Buckingham's execution.· They were the first Texans to witness the execution of their loved ones' killer.· A thousand people, mostly men, gathered around the grate one day last spring to witness a double execution.· Those friends, who were not identified, were invited by Bonin to witness the execution.· I will write about witnessing the execution in a special Saturday column.· Felicity was forced to witness each execution, then was beheaded.· Ramos said Bonin invited five guests to witness the execution, but their identities are being withheld.· It is an odd feeling, knowing that soon you will witness a public execution.
· They had witnessed a steady growth in circulation and were well satisfied with their achievements, even hopeful that things would improve.· In fact the Ganges delta is witnessing a continued net growth in its surface area.· Great Britain is not alone in witnessing a growth in local government expenditure.· In general, the picture is a positive one with many industries witnessing a growth in exports.
· According to journalists who witnessed the incident, up to eight people were killed and 20 others seriously injured.· Diplomatic sources who witnessed the incident said he was driven off at speed in a police convoy and his whereabouts are unknown.· You have witnessed some appalling incident.· They are anxious to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the incident.· The way I and others who witnessed the incident feel now is that Ian Woosnam's game is well over par.· Like the other servants who had witnessed the incident, I just looked away, pretending nothing had happened.
· Then one night in an alleyway he witnesses a murder and finds himself lumbered with the dead man's child.· You are dealing with people who brought their children to witness the murder of black human beings, falsely accused of rape.· Ken didn't actually witness either the murder or the suicide.· You read it in the papers: it could ruin you for life, witnessing a murder.· The child said he claimed to have witnessed a murder, and had been affected by it.· Then the gunmen made Tony Franjieh witness the murder of his wife.· Suppose one or more of those who visited Burford three weeks later had witnessed the murder or knew what Everett had discovered.· Ingrid joins his harem and witnesses ritual murders.
· The post-war period had witnessed the growing professionalisation of the sport.· Consequently the period after 1979 witnessed a number of major developments with important repercussions for central-local relations.
· Sergo witnessed extraordinary scenes in the Kremlin and at home.· Why do you have to witness scenes like this over and over again?· James Bruce had no doubt witnessed similar scenes in the 1760s when victorious armies returned in triumph to Gondar.· Whichever parent witnessed the scene automatically became the referee.· As a very young child he witnessed scenes which equalled anything from the imagination of Rider Haggard.· She had herself witnessed a scene whose disclosure could cause trouble.· Sometimes he appears to have witnessed a scene from the past.
· I witnessed Kennedy's signature on the Friday.· She simply produced the documents, Mr. O'Brien signed and she witnessed his signature.
· But Bobby just sat there with a wolfish grin as guests moved in to witness the spectacle.· Thousands camped around the village to witness the spectacle.· With the winter season at its height, thousands crowded into the two Niagara communities to witness the spectacle.
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES
1crime/accident [transitive] to see something happen, especially a crime or accident: - Photographs taken in 1904 bear witness to the extent of these repairs.
- Punta Banda's ghostly streets, vacant houses and shuttered hotel bear testimony to dreams gone sour.
- Sparrow's books bear witness to his movement in the most exclusive circles.
- The current trial of Timothy McVeigh in the Oklahoma City bombing that killed 168 persons bears witness to that.
- The human genome bears witness to this process, too.
- The Renaissance bears witness to a sociology, a psychology of joy.
- They bear witness to the precious quality of the embryo and the birth process.
- They alone bear witness to uneasiness and possible stress.
Several residents claim to have witnessed the attack.► see thesaurus at notice, see2experience something [transitive] to experience important events or changes: Priests have witnessed an increase in religious intolerance.3time/place [transitive] if a time or place witnesses an event, the event happens during that time or in that place: Recent years have witnessed the collapse of the steel industry.4official document [transitive] if you witness the signing of an official document, you are there when it is signed, and sign it yourself to prove this: Will you witness my signature?5 witness something (also ..., as witnessed by something) used to introduce an example that proves something you have just mentioned: Bad economic times can result in political dictatorships. Witness Germany in the 1930s.6religion [intransitive] to speak publicly about your Christian beliefs