to see, hear, or know by personal presence and perception: to witness an accident.
to be present at (an occurrence) as a formal witness, spectator, bystander, etc.: She witnessed our wedding.
to bear witness to; testify to; give or afford evidence of.
to attest by one's signature: He witnessed her will.
verb (used without object)
to bear witness; testify; give or afford evidence.
noun
an individual who, being present, personally sees or perceives a thing; a beholder, spectator, or eyewitness.
a person or thing that affords evidence.
a person who gives testimony, as in a court of law.
a person who signs a document attesting the genuineness of its execution.
testimony or evidence: to bear witness to her suffering.
(initial capital letter) a member of the Jehovah's Witnesses.
Origin of witness
First recorded before 950; (noun) Middle English, Old English witnes originally, “knowledge, understanding”; see wit1, -ness; (verb) Middle English, derivative of the noun
SYNONYMS FOR witness
1 perceive, watch, mark, notice, note.
10 proof, confirmation, substantiation.
SEE SYNONYMS FOR witness ON THESAURUS.COM
synonym study for witness
1. See observe.
OTHER WORDS FROM witness
wit·ness·a·ble,adjectivewit·ness·er,nounpre·wit·ness,noun,verb (used with object)self-witness,noun
Since 2011, legal scholars, political scientists and mathematicians conducting gerrymandering research have served as expert witnesses in more than 250 state and federal court cases regarding redistricting.
New York Attorney General Letitia James said Monday that she’s suing to enforce seven subpoenas seeking thousands of documents and testimony from multiple witnesses.
New York’s AG is investigating whether Trump’s company falsely reported asset valuations to get loans|Lee Clifford|August 24, 2020|Fortune
Though the review happened years ago, it’s newly relevant in light of a November ballot measure that would give the board more power to access witnesses and documents.
VOSD Podcast: Cops and Cameras, Cameras and Cops|Nate John|July 24, 2020|Voice of San Diego
When the community review board – then known as the Citizens Review Board – investigated the shooting, it reviewed that security camera footage, as well as witness statements, police reports, photos from the scene, SDPD policies and other materials.
Police Review Board Was Denied Docs, Interviews in 2015 Shooting Review|Sara Libby|July 22, 2020|Voice of San Diego
Our goal was to be the first confirmed humans to witness a total solar eclipse from a peak above 20,000 feet.
My Crazy Bid to See a Solar Eclipse at 20,000 Feet|Mark Jenkins|July 8, 2020|Outside Online
One witness said the gunfire began after a traffic collision, which drew the attention of a nearby police officer.
France Mourns—and Hunts|Nico Hines, Christopher Dickey|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
The mother, Emily Kruse, was charged with obstructing justice and intimidating a witness.
Judge: Rehoming Kids Is Trafficking|Tina Traster|December 30, 2014|DAILY BEAST
“The senior people were too shocked to speak,” said a witness.
Facebook Prince Purges The New Republic: Inside the Destruction of a 100-Year-Old Magazine|Lloyd Grove|December 5, 2014|DAILY BEAST
At least one witness stated that Brown was surrendering with his hands in the air when he was shot.
Why Darren Wilson Will Walk|Dean Obeidallah|November 22, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Nancy heard the shot, then another, and came to the window to witness the third and final bullet be fired into her husband.