Definition of witness in English:

witness

noun ˈwɪtnəsˈwɪtnəs

1A person who sees an event, typically a crime or accident, take place.
police are appealing for witnesses to the accident
I was witness to one of the most amazing comebacks in sprinting history
Example sentencesExamples
- There were no independent witnesses to the accident which occurred on the main Cork-Bandon road.
- The quality cannot be guaranteed, but they come from all corners to the Cork county final, knowing they are witnesses to a unique event.
- I am appealing to any witnesses to the accident to come forward.
- Traffic officer PC Mark Pearce is asking witnesses to the accident to call 01245 452918
- He also says there were valuable witnesses to that crime.
- The problem was that there were no witnesses to the crime.
- This normally takes the form of two witnesses to the crime or one witness and corroborating evidence, usually in the form of forensic evidence.
- Police are trying to trace the driver of the red Nissan and are appealing for witnesses to the accident at 8.45 pm on Friday to contact them on 856 6121.
- Officials say the shirts are intended to intimidate witnesses to crime.
- Sgt Bussey has now appealed for witnesses to the accident.
- But when I talked to them, none of the witnesses to the crime had done so.
- Later, the authorities said the soldiers might have been witnesses to a crime committed by others.
- Unfortunately it's a very high traffic area and not only would there be tons of witnesses to my crime, my life would have been endangered by speeding cars passing by.
- There were no witnesses to the crime but if anyone has any further information then please contact the Det Sgt Willmott on 01268 511212.
- Police have now issued a picture of Mr Goldman in a bid to get as many witnesses to the crime or the immediate aftermath to come forward to help them in their investigations.
- The quotations above are from various witnesses to that event.
- Any witnesses to the accident, who saw either vehicle before it, should call Beverley Police Station on 01482 597900.
- Police are appealing for any witnesses to the accident to contact them at Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
- Sgt Desmond appealed for witnesses to the crime to come forward.
- The witnesses to the accident agreed never to reveal who had slipped first, but according to Slesser both men ‘were an accident waiting to happen’.
Synonyms
observer, onlooker, looker-on, eyewitness, spectator, viewer, watcher
bystander, passer-by
North American earwitness
1. 1.1 A person giving sworn testimony to a court of law or the police.
  a key witness at the trial
  as modifier oral evidence set down in witness statements
  Example sentencesExamples
  The two witnesses were not challenged on what they had said to those police witnesses on cross-examination.
  Defendants, witnesses, solicitors, police officers and probation officers will then have to travel 25 miles across Salisbury Plain.
  Sinclair complained that the Crown had failed to disclose a police statement that was inconsistent with evidence the witness gave in court.
  All of the police witnesses who testified were candid in their evidence that the seizure of the clothing was unrelated to the burglary tool charge.
  The evidence consisted of admissions, exhibits and the testimony of two police witnesses.
  Although referred to by the witness Police Constable Fagin during the course of her testimony the print out was not produced in evidence before me.
  He is due to appear before the High Court on October 20, where he will argue new evidence has been unearthed to discredit the testimony of a key witness in his trial.
  All the matters alleged by the applicant had been put to the witness by the police and been denied.
  Not having seen the witnesses, the appellate court cannot easily form a view about their general credibility.
  The defense also subpoenaed several police officers as defense witnesses who evidently were not taken into account in making the first estimate.
  Judges, lawyers, police officers and witnesses already complain about the frequent delays and adjournments in court.
  What is relevant is to consider, does this statement tend to challenge or contradict the testimony of the witness?
  After more objections from the Attorney-General and Solicitor General, the Court held the witness's testimony inadmissible.
  And finally, the suspect might have police witnesses who are willing to testify about mix-ups in the evidence lockers.
  Plans are being drawn up to issue police witnesses in court cases with a mobile phone to summon them to the witness stand just before they are needed with a simple text message.
  The Trial Chamber heard testimony from about 30 witnesses who survived the brutality, and who reported the frequent killings and torture.
  But because they are about acceptance of the testimony of the witnesses, they build up the credibility of the complainant.
  In the following section of the case stated the magistrates summarise the testimony of the witnesses who gave evidence.
  The said witness gave a statement to the police as well as testimony at trial.
  ‘Out of all the statements police take from witnesses, only a minority of those go to court,’ he said.
  Synonyms
  attestor, testifier
  Law deponent
2. 1.2 A person who is present at the signing of a document and signs it themselves to confirm this.
  a deed signed in the presence of a witness
  Example sentencesExamples
  All three Petitions include the same constellation of facts, dates, actions, omissions, documents, witnesses and alleged damages.
  The document is signed by two witnesses, and has the standing of a legally binding agreement.
  The witnesses should obtain and document the consenting person's name and relationship to the patient.
  To become a legal document, the will must be printed and signed with two witnesses present.
  Someone had signed her postal voting declaration and someone else had signed as the witness.
  The dowry contract was read aloud and signed by witnesses.
  His daughter, Sruti Hassan, was a witness when he signed the papers in the presence of the Director of Medical Education, C. Ravindranath.
  I was relieved when the interminable service was over, and the solemn signing the register with witnesses was announced.
  Couples sign the partnership document in the presence of two witnesses and a Civil Partnership Registrar.
  The district judge said that she did not require witnesses to be present.
  If you didn't use a lawyer, you could always retype the entire document and then sign it in the presence of two witnesses and a notary.
  A will in your own handwriting is perfectly legal provided it is signed by two witnesses.
  Even if there are not third-party witnesses to this statement, this is the sort of testimony that the trial system is designed to evaluate.
2mass noun Evidence; proof.
the memorial service was witness to the wide circle of his interests
Example sentencesExamples
- Mr. Mason, the mysteriously wounded house guest, stood as witness to the fact that Bertha was still alive and living at Thoriifield.
- The large following created over 25 centuries ago and continuing to this day is witness to the fact that something of distinct value was created.
- In photos they forever give witness to the fact that every piece of the built world was imagined by human mind, placed by human hand.
- The feedback in this case showed that the sole witness to the apparition was a six year old boy named Roddy.
- There's nothing more uncomfortable than being witness to someone's issues.
- History is witness to the fact that at that time also some extremists had incited local people to ignite the fire of riots.
- The Canterbury Tales bear eloquent witness to the fact that for centuries Becket's tomb in the cathedral was the greatest pilgrimage shrine in England.
- Their deaths stand in visible and evident witness to the disjunctive structure of a Christian ethics of redemption.
- So much so that one begins to wonder if one is in fact witness to an ancient Flanderian sign language, life-threatening to those who fail to grasp its flailing inflections.
- History is witness to the fact, however, that those who chose to migrate and remained aware of the price to be paid are the ones who made the process of migration a successful one.
- His Narrative stands witness to this issue of self-naming.
Synonyms
evidence, indication, proof, testimony
1. 2.1 Used to refer to confirmation or evidence given by signature or under oath.
  in witness thereof, the parties sign this document
2. 2.2 Open profession of one's religious faith through words or actions.
  they will be able to give witness of their faith and confidence in God
  Example sentencesExamples
  ‘The Church is called to confess the faith and to commend it by faithful witness.’
  Yet, exegetes can hardly ignore the unbroken consensus in the biblical witness, where the words are so clearly supported by the cross itself.
  For people of faith, witness and remembrance are essential stations in their pilgrimage.
  I thank God for his witness and faith in a God and Jesus who stood by him over the last 28 years in this place.
  Had it been written subsequent to that event, we would have commended those who have offered powerful witness and care in response to the tragedy.
  The Chronicles are the outpouring of his imaginative and religious experience; his witness of the life and faith he espoused.
  Youth were routinely invited to lead the entire liturgy, craft prayers, offer faith witnesses and even preach sermons.
  Underlying its actions is the belief ‘that ethical living is the supreme witness of religion.’
  For me, they embody and express the faith and witness of an extraordinary servant of Christ.
  Rather, suffering and martyrdom are consequences of faithful witness in a hostile world.
  Jesus conquers Satan by uncovering this deception; he shows that the way of God is that of non-violent faithful witness.
  Dialogue allows for and encourages faithful and personal witness.
  This ministry has opened many opportunities for witness, counseling and inviting people to take part in the church's fellowship life.
  It requires instruction in the faith and above all training in prayer, so that the gifts necessary for humble service and faithful witness be received by all.
  Colson immediately and firmly calls them to order, reminding them that the role of Christian leaders is to bear faithful and persuasive witness.
  This implies that religious witness is also in order.
  We are enriched in our understanding of the faith and strengthened for witness and service in the world as we listen to the voices of all God's people and receive their gifts.
  At that time, when they are at the mercy of their enemies, they will be able to give witness of their faith and confidence in God.
  O God, bless this offering that it may become the finest of our possessions, the liveliest word of our witness, the greatest comfort to others in the giving.
  The call for ‘innovation’ is in a sense a call for contextualization of faith, worship and witness even in North America.
3A line or remnant of an original surface on a workpiece to show how much material has been removed or the shape of the original outline.

verb ˈwɪtnəsˈwɪtnəs

[with object]

1See (an event, typically a crime or accident) happen.
staff who witnessed the murder
Example sentencesExamples
- There are officers out there who deserve our support, some of whom have witnessed these crimes by their peers and have turned them in to face prosecution.
- If I get burgled, especially with the cops at my home at the time witnessing the crime, I think the only chance of getting an arrest or a charge of burglary would be to ring Stephen Franks.
- Later, arising out of the Carew murder case, the anonymous maidservant who witnessed the crime describes ‘a very small gentleman’.
- He called on anyone who may have found the dumped bag or who witnessed the crime to phone officers on 01904 631321.
- He was never involved in nor did he witness a war crime.
- Anyone witnessing a crime is encouraged to contact Swindon Police on 01793 528111 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
- This all changed after witnessing the attempted crime right outside my window that night.
- Some of those people might believe they are smart, because nobody witnessed the crime and it saves him/her a few euros.
- The common factor in the two stories from different sides of the border is the indifference and the fear that paralyses people who witness such crimes.
- He was caught on CCTV and a staff member witnessed the theft.
- Some locals talk about wanting to pack up and leave after witnessing violent crime.
- By law, if three or more people witness a crime on the scale of murder, the one who committed the crime had no right to a fair trial.
- When Connor sees that Michael's teenage son has witnessed the crime, it spells tragedy for the O'Sullivan family.
- She said officers were following several lines of inquiry in connection with the incident and appealed to anyone who thought they had been a victim of crime, or anyone who had witnessed a crime in the area, to come forward.
- According to restaurant staff who witnessed the crime, there were at least six attackers, and they were dressed in police uniforms.
- By the time they realize their mistake, Dennis has a protector, namely Robert, who has witnessed the crime from his hotel window.
- If anyone has witnessed a car crime of this nature they should call Benfleet police on 01268 756221.
- At the moment, we are even working with Interpol because one of our clients witnessed war crimes in Kosovar.
- Soon after witnessing the rape and murder of his ostracised mother, he leaves home without word.
- The girl managed to hide behind the refrigerator with her brother and witnessed the war crimes first-hand.
Synonyms
see, observe, watch, look on at, be a witness to, view, note, notice, spot
be present at, attend
literary behold
1. 1.1 Be present as someone signs (a document) or gives (their signature) to a document and sign it oneself to confirm this.
  the clerk witnessed her signature
  Example sentencesExamples
  Sir Elton's signature was witnessed by Mr Halley.
  Who is allowed to witness the patient's signature on the consent form?
  On most of my visits I saw Wendy Gould, who was living with him, as appears from the address she gave when she witnessed his signature on the Lease.
  Ms Malone said she put her name as witnessing the documents that Mr Phelan handed to her.
  Mr. Hillis witnessed Julien Gaignard's signature on the document.
  I hereby witness the signing of this document by the above named in my presence.
  The witness is not witnessing the accuracy of the information provided but is witnessing the signature of the person.
  Their signatures were again witnessed by John Walden.
  At the request of BMO, Mr. Yack witnessed Dr. Karimian's signature on this guarantee.
  The vendors are certain of its authenticity, for they have witnessed the signature in person, but to allay scepticism they often list the item with a photograph of the event.
  He then asks them to witness the signature of his will.
  His record was witnessed and verified by Gary Knight from Record Breakers.
  Stephen's assistant witnessed their signatures, and Stephen put it in the house safe.
  The signatures were forged by the defendant, who also signed the documents as having witnessed the signatures.
  Hunston wrote to the Law Society last November complaining that Doran had sworn in an affidavit that he witnessed Hunston signing the document.
  He was so concerned at the reference to Addison's disease, he wanted his neighbour, a local clergyman, to witness the records.
  If the patient already has signed the consent, it would be impossible for someone not present at the time to witness the patient's signature.
  Mr Boundy was asked to witness the document and ensure that it was dated, and to return the mortgage document to the Piccadilly branch.
  The Charter was witnessed by Angela Billingham as Northampton's MEP and Neil Kinnock as the European Parliament's Commissioner of Transport.
  However, the first he knew of her career was when she asked him to witness her record contract, as she was still underage.
  Synonyms
  countersign, sign, endorse, validate
  certificate, document
  North American notarize
2Have knowledge of (a development) from observation or experience.
what we are witnessing is the birth of a new political entity
Example sentencesExamples
- I have been the village postman in Troutbeck for 18 years and during that time have witnessed dramatic changes in the availability of reasonable houses to rent or buy.
- In recent years, we've witnessed the birth and development of the PC as an artistic hobby.
- It was a touching experience to witness the third years as they marched up to the stage to collect their certificate from the principal, knowing this was the final day of their junior high school lives.
- Several experimental observations witnessing the reliability of the structural model have already been reported.
- In the end, however, the administration thought it would be an intriguing experience for students to witness the process of movie making up close and personal.
- We'd be able to watch that life growing and witness its development.
- Future generations will not have the pleasure and privilege of observing what I witnessed the other morning.
- Heavy-handed searches, of the type witnessed by The Observer, involve large numbers of troops, armoured vehicles and attack helicopters.
- I have had my own experience of witnessing a mayor-turned-municipal activist.
1. 2.1 Be the place, period, or setting in which (an event or development) takes place.
  the 1980s witnessed an unprecedented increase in the scope of the electronic media
  Example sentencesExamples
  In the last several decades, the world has witnessed a knowledge explosion in the life sciences based on an understanding of genes and how they work.
  This period has witnessed major changes in our diets, lifestyle, and social practices, some of which may be having profound effects on human health.
  Indeed, the US economy witnessed unprecedented growth.
  The Victorian period also witnessed considerable change in the economic structure of Scotland.
  Twentieth century's final years witnessed some cataclysmic events unprecedented in history.
  The last twenty years have witnessed some dramatic developments in organizations and the relations between them.
  On the Continent, the Carolingian period witnessed a renewal of interest in classical art and learning.
  The modern period has witnessed the emergence of many new forms of poetry and popular fiction.
  The period 1894-1913 witnessed intense growth in investment in tramways.
  Finally, this period witnessed an unprecedented growth of Japan's cities.
  Critics point out that the city has witnessed a dramatic growth in employment due to an influx of high-technology manufacturing and service industries.
  This period of chaos witnessed the beginning of terrorist attacks launched against U.S. and Western interests.
  The fall campaign witnessed extensive religious mobilization, albeit in a different configuration than in past years.
  The period since World War II has witnessed dramatic changes in the preferences of individuals and their allocation of time and resources.
  The post-Ranjit Singh period witnessed certain developments when attempts were made to revert to the Khalsa tradition.
  The 1970s witnessed dramatic changes in policy rationales for state involvement in economic affairs.
  This collection examines the period from the early 1980s that witnessed the beginning of dramatic changes in East-West relations.
  Services were disrupted during World War I and the interwar period witnessed few new developments except for the introduction of diesel motorships.
  Last year witnessed a dramatic downturn and 2002 promises to be little better, despite earlier hopes of a rebound in the second half of the year.
  WW I was an ‘artillery war’ par excellence, witnessing the dramatic development of indirect fire and artillery fire control.
  Moreover, this period witnessed unparalleled growth in global competition.
2. 2.2 Be a sign or proof of (something); serve as evidence.
  the mid-1980s saw an intensification of interest in community care, as witnessed by the publication of four major reports
  no object his writings witness to an inner toughness
  Example sentencesExamples
  Neither panels, as wings of a triptych, are of course signed, but they witness to a feature of El Greco's life - the production of multiple versions of the same scenes.
  One of the young men we support has taught himself the deaf and dumb language in order to witness to this neglected and marginalised group of people in Russian society.
  Now, each of us is called to witness to the love that is freely offered to everyone who takes Jesus as their King.
  To be a martyr is to witness to the truth we hold dear about our faith: the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit.
  We should pray for Christian believers there, as they witness to their trust and confidence in the Lord Jesus Christ in the midst of such a tragedy.
  A wise Christian told me about a year ago that I should never forget that God has put me in a great position to witness to lots of people.
  They witness to an agreement of both churches on the essentials of faith on the basis of the common tradition of the ancient church.
  They are true pilgrims who witness to us the meaning of hope.
  Graciously the Lord spared him for a further five years, during which he sought to witness to his family and show them the way of salvation.
  It does not deal well with the question of how doing evil to one to stop evil to many can witness to the reign of a God that is truly and completely good.
  Only by sharing and caring and bearing each other's burdens can we become daring in witnessing to our faith in Christ, which gives us strength to continue in mission.
  Their different ends give them the purchase to interpret the Christian aim as penultimate, and to witness to Christians that they should seek a better way.
  Such vigilance is to witness to the power of Scripture and of Christ, as led by the Spirit.
  As we exercise faithful stewardship over our bodies, we witness to our thankfulness to God for those bodies
  Every day provides plenty of opportunities to witness to the life of Christ in me and to die to myself so that I can care for others!
  Synonyms
  attest to, be evidence/proof of, testify to, bear witness to, confirm, evidence, prove, verify, corroborate, substantiate, bear out
  show, demonstrate, establish, be a monument to, indicate, reveal
  literary bespeak
3. 2.3in imperative Used to introduce an example that proves a preceding statement.
  the nuclear family is a vulnerable institution—witness the rates of marital breakdown
  Example sentencesExamples
  While I admire De-Bono ideas he does seem to be a bit of a control freak - witness his statement that the Aborigines have been playing the didgeridoo wrong for 3000 years.
3no object Openly profess one's religious faith.
one of the purposes of his coming was to nerve the disciples to witness to Jesus
Example sentencesExamples
- It is hoped that the examples of missionaries who have died will encourage others to witness to the Faith in their vocation in life.
- We were a group of Christians, about twenty to thirty in number, who had come together for the bank holiday weekend to witness to Jesus Christ.
- Saints are forgiven sinners living by faith, witnessing to God's love, serving humanity, caring for creation.
- God directs those who follow Jesus Christ to represent Christ in the world and to witness to God's love.
- They are chosen by God to witness to Christ and suffer with Him.
- In so doing, they engage their proper task of struggling together to witness to and be the disciples of Christ in all that they say and do.
- Each of us has received the Holy Spirit to witness to Jesus and to help spread the gospel.
- Mark says, about his efforts to witness to this man, ‘Praise God we are [now] getting somewhere.’
- Becoming living stones means we need to learn to do mission better than ever before as we witness to God's all-inclusive and unconditional love.
- And in humility, we all have to witness to our own faith in a way that enhances life rather than parade the bitterness with which fundamentalism distorts divine messages of love.
- Tell the Lord that you want to witness to him through your talents, your demeanor, and your acts of love.

Phrases

as God is my witness (or God be my witness)

An invocation of God as confirmation of the truth of a statement.
God be my witness, sir, I didn't!
Example sentencesExamples
- But as God is my witness, we shall meet again, and Fate will not be in your favor!
- But I am going to marry Theo Dewhurst, and be his wife, and bear his children, and as God is my witness, love and nothing else is going to rule my life.
- But as God is my witness, I am going to drive perfectly from now on.
- But as God is my witness, I'm not getting a little dog that fits into a Burbury tote.
- It was really never my aspiration as God is my witness to ever have a large salary.
- Now I know, as God is my witness, unless I'm senile no 5 year old is going to be talking to me that way.
- And as God is my witness what I will say next is the truth - I locked eyes with the largest tiger snake any living man has seen.
- The others, even my fellow five-year-olds screeched in delight and were only hindered from mauling Santa by the serried ranks of nurses who secured her path to the Christmas tree where Santa, as God is my witness, kicked me out of her way.
- This altar's here, and as God is my witness, what else is a church for?
- Finally, my solemn pledge to you: as God is my witness, this site will never, ever feature blinking, flashing, animated advertising of any sort.

call someone/something to witness

archaic Appeal or refer to someone or something for confirmation or evidence of something.
Example sentencesExamples
- The Bible calls us to witness to and to serve the religious other as neighbor.
- The people of Israel learned a lesson about living a glorious life: God calls us to witness divine glory.
- He never called me to witness the miracle and finally informed me that he'd been instructed not to communicate with persons who were not ‘in’ the movement.
- As such, Christians are called to witness to the faith that is in them concerning the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
- The gods of Olympus know this sort of binding oath between them, which calls the infernal rivers to witness.
- Henry saw how the currency of his work might be delayed, and that its meaning might emerge in the way it is called to witness an age when a South Pacific nation might feel the urge to realise itself as a republic.
- The classical iconographic representation of the Buddha's realization shows him touching the earth with his right hand, and calling the earth to witness his attainment.
- Those expressive black eyes seem to violently call the visitor to witness.
- Jesus has opened the kingdom of heaven and called his church to witness to his love.
- The hand position or mudra, which is most often associated with Shakyamuni Buddha, is ‘calling the earth to witness.’

Origin

Old English witnes (see wit¹, -ness).

Rhymes

fitness

Definition of witness in US English:

witness

nounˈwitnəsˈwɪtnəs

1A person who sees an event, typically a crime or accident, take place.
police are appealing for witnesses to the accident
I was witness to one of the most amazing comebacks in sprinting history
Example sentencesExamples
- The quality cannot be guaranteed, but they come from all corners to the Cork county final, knowing they are witnesses to a unique event.
- There were no witnesses to the crime but if anyone has any further information then please contact the Det Sgt Willmott on 01268 511212.
- Officials say the shirts are intended to intimidate witnesses to crime.
- There were no independent witnesses to the accident which occurred on the main Cork-Bandon road.
- Sgt Desmond appealed for witnesses to the crime to come forward.
- Police are appealing for any witnesses to the accident to contact them at Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
- Police are trying to trace the driver of the red Nissan and are appealing for witnesses to the accident at 8.45 pm on Friday to contact them on 856 6121.
- Sgt Bussey has now appealed for witnesses to the accident.
- He also says there were valuable witnesses to that crime.
- The quotations above are from various witnesses to that event.
- This normally takes the form of two witnesses to the crime or one witness and corroborating evidence, usually in the form of forensic evidence.
- The witnesses to the accident agreed never to reveal who had slipped first, but according to Slesser both men ‘were an accident waiting to happen’.
- Unfortunately it's a very high traffic area and not only would there be tons of witnesses to my crime, my life would have been endangered by speeding cars passing by.
- Traffic officer PC Mark Pearce is asking witnesses to the accident to call 01245 452918
- Police have now issued a picture of Mr Goldman in a bid to get as many witnesses to the crime or the immediate aftermath to come forward to help them in their investigations.
- Later, the authorities said the soldiers might have been witnesses to a crime committed by others.
- I am appealing to any witnesses to the accident to come forward.
- The problem was that there were no witnesses to the crime.
- Any witnesses to the accident, who saw either vehicle before it, should call Beverley Police Station on 01482 597900.
- But when I talked to them, none of the witnesses to the crime had done so.
Synonyms
observer, onlooker, looker-on, eyewitness, spectator, viewer, watcher
1. 1.1 A person giving sworn testimony to a court of law or the police.
  Example sentencesExamples
  All of the police witnesses who testified were candid in their evidence that the seizure of the clothing was unrelated to the burglary tool charge.
  The said witness gave a statement to the police as well as testimony at trial.
  Judges, lawyers, police officers and witnesses already complain about the frequent delays and adjournments in court.
  After more objections from the Attorney-General and Solicitor General, the Court held the witness's testimony inadmissible.
  He is due to appear before the High Court on October 20, where he will argue new evidence has been unearthed to discredit the testimony of a key witness in his trial.
  Not having seen the witnesses, the appellate court cannot easily form a view about their general credibility.
  The evidence consisted of admissions, exhibits and the testimony of two police witnesses.
  What is relevant is to consider, does this statement tend to challenge or contradict the testimony of the witness?
  The Trial Chamber heard testimony from about 30 witnesses who survived the brutality, and who reported the frequent killings and torture.
  But because they are about acceptance of the testimony of the witnesses, they build up the credibility of the complainant.
  The two witnesses were not challenged on what they had said to those police witnesses on cross-examination.
  ‘Out of all the statements police take from witnesses, only a minority of those go to court,’ he said.
  Although referred to by the witness Police Constable Fagin during the course of her testimony the print out was not produced in evidence before me.
  Plans are being drawn up to issue police witnesses in court cases with a mobile phone to summon them to the witness stand just before they are needed with a simple text message.
  The defense also subpoenaed several police officers as defense witnesses who evidently were not taken into account in making the first estimate.
  And finally, the suspect might have police witnesses who are willing to testify about mix-ups in the evidence lockers.
  Defendants, witnesses, solicitors, police officers and probation officers will then have to travel 25 miles across Salisbury Plain.
  In the following section of the case stated the magistrates summarise the testimony of the witnesses who gave evidence.
  Sinclair complained that the Crown had failed to disclose a police statement that was inconsistent with evidence the witness gave in court.
  All the matters alleged by the applicant had been put to the witness by the police and been denied.
  Synonyms
  attestor, testifier
2. 1.2 A person who is present at the signing of a document and signs it themselves to confirm this.
  Example sentencesExamples
  To become a legal document, the will must be printed and signed with two witnesses present.
  The document is signed by two witnesses, and has the standing of a legally binding agreement.
  Couples sign the partnership document in the presence of two witnesses and a Civil Partnership Registrar.
  Someone had signed her postal voting declaration and someone else had signed as the witness.
  If you didn't use a lawyer, you could always retype the entire document and then sign it in the presence of two witnesses and a notary.
  The witnesses should obtain and document the consenting person's name and relationship to the patient.
  Even if there are not third-party witnesses to this statement, this is the sort of testimony that the trial system is designed to evaluate.
  His daughter, Sruti Hassan, was a witness when he signed the papers in the presence of the Director of Medical Education, C. Ravindranath.
  The dowry contract was read aloud and signed by witnesses.
  The district judge said that she did not require witnesses to be present.
  I was relieved when the interminable service was over, and the solemn signing the register with witnesses was announced.
  A will in your own handwriting is perfectly legal provided it is signed by two witnesses.
  All three Petitions include the same constellation of facts, dates, actions, omissions, documents, witnesses and alleged damages.
2Evidence; proof.
the memorial service was witness to the wide circle of his interest
Example sentencesExamples
- There's nothing more uncomfortable than being witness to someone's issues.
- Mr. Mason, the mysteriously wounded house guest, stood as witness to the fact that Bertha was still alive and living at Thoriifield.
- So much so that one begins to wonder if one is in fact witness to an ancient Flanderian sign language, life-threatening to those who fail to grasp its flailing inflections.
- History is witness to the fact that at that time also some extremists had incited local people to ignite the fire of riots.
- In photos they forever give witness to the fact that every piece of the built world was imagined by human mind, placed by human hand.
- The Canterbury Tales bear eloquent witness to the fact that for centuries Becket's tomb in the cathedral was the greatest pilgrimage shrine in England.
- The large following created over 25 centuries ago and continuing to this day is witness to the fact that something of distinct value was created.
- Their deaths stand in visible and evident witness to the disjunctive structure of a Christian ethics of redemption.
- The feedback in this case showed that the sole witness to the apparition was a six year old boy named Roddy.
- History is witness to the fact, however, that those who chose to migrate and remained aware of the price to be paid are the ones who made the process of migration a successful one.
- His Narrative stands witness to this issue of self-naming.
Synonyms
evidence, indication, proof, testimony
1. 2.1 Used to refer to confirmation or evidence given by signature, under oath, or otherwise.
  in witness thereof, the parties sign this document
2. 2.2 Open profession of one's religious faith through words or actions.
  faithful Christian witness
  Example sentencesExamples
  This ministry has opened many opportunities for witness, counseling and inviting people to take part in the church's fellowship life.
  The Chronicles are the outpouring of his imaginative and religious experience; his witness of the life and faith he espoused.
  It requires instruction in the faith and above all training in prayer, so that the gifts necessary for humble service and faithful witness be received by all.
  Jesus conquers Satan by uncovering this deception; he shows that the way of God is that of non-violent faithful witness.
  For people of faith, witness and remembrance are essential stations in their pilgrimage.
  The call for ‘innovation’ is in a sense a call for contextualization of faith, worship and witness even in North America.
  I thank God for his witness and faith in a God and Jesus who stood by him over the last 28 years in this place.
  Yet, exegetes can hardly ignore the unbroken consensus in the biblical witness, where the words are so clearly supported by the cross itself.
  We are enriched in our understanding of the faith and strengthened for witness and service in the world as we listen to the voices of all God's people and receive their gifts.
  For me, they embody and express the faith and witness of an extraordinary servant of Christ.
  Underlying its actions is the belief ‘that ethical living is the supreme witness of religion.’
  Had it been written subsequent to that event, we would have commended those who have offered powerful witness and care in response to the tragedy.
  O God, bless this offering that it may become the finest of our possessions, the liveliest word of our witness, the greatest comfort to others in the giving.
  Colson immediately and firmly calls them to order, reminding them that the role of Christian leaders is to bear faithful and persuasive witness.
  Dialogue allows for and encourages faithful and personal witness.
  Youth were routinely invited to lead the entire liturgy, craft prayers, offer faith witnesses and even preach sermons.
  ‘The Church is called to confess the faith and to commend it by faithful witness.’
  This implies that religious witness is also in order.
  Rather, suffering and martyrdom are consequences of faithful witness in a hostile world.
  At that time, when they are at the mercy of their enemies, they will be able to give witness of their faith and confidence in God.
3A member of the Jehovah's Witnesses.
Example sentencesExamples
- I think a lot of it is due to my Mum, she was raised as a Jehovah's witness.
- A short blonde woman in a dress suit stood there with a folder under her arm, looking for all the world like a Jehovah's witness ready to sell her salvation.
- ‘And as for you folks, I hereby arrest you for grand theft auto’ ranted on the copper like a Jehovah's witness.
- I haven't been one for some time. That doesn't mean, though, that I'm not a witness of Jehovah.

verbˈwitnəsˈwɪtnəs

1with object See (an event, typically a crime or accident) take place.
a bartender who witnessed the murder
Example sentencesExamples
- According to restaurant staff who witnessed the crime, there were at least six attackers, and they were dressed in police uniforms.
- Anyone witnessing a crime is encouraged to contact Swindon Police on 01793 528111 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
- When Connor sees that Michael's teenage son has witnessed the crime, it spells tragedy for the O'Sullivan family.
- Some of those people might believe they are smart, because nobody witnessed the crime and it saves him/her a few euros.
- By law, if three or more people witness a crime on the scale of murder, the one who committed the crime had no right to a fair trial.
- The common factor in the two stories from different sides of the border is the indifference and the fear that paralyses people who witness such crimes.
- She said officers were following several lines of inquiry in connection with the incident and appealed to anyone who thought they had been a victim of crime, or anyone who had witnessed a crime in the area, to come forward.
- There are officers out there who deserve our support, some of whom have witnessed these crimes by their peers and have turned them in to face prosecution.
- Soon after witnessing the rape and murder of his ostracised mother, he leaves home without word.
- If I get burgled, especially with the cops at my home at the time witnessing the crime, I think the only chance of getting an arrest or a charge of burglary would be to ring Stephen Franks.
- He was caught on CCTV and a staff member witnessed the theft.
- At the moment, we are even working with Interpol because one of our clients witnessed war crimes in Kosovar.
- He called on anyone who may have found the dumped bag or who witnessed the crime to phone officers on 01904 631321.
- The girl managed to hide behind the refrigerator with her brother and witnessed the war crimes first-hand.
- He was never involved in nor did he witness a war crime.
- If anyone has witnessed a car crime of this nature they should call Benfleet police on 01268 756221.
- Some locals talk about wanting to pack up and leave after witnessing violent crime.
- Later, arising out of the Carew murder case, the anonymous maidservant who witnessed the crime describes ‘a very small gentleman’.
- By the time they realize their mistake, Dennis has a protector, namely Robert, who has witnessed the crime from his hotel window.
- This all changed after witnessing the attempted crime right outside my window that night.
Synonyms
see, observe, watch, look on at, be a witness to, view, note, notice, spot
1. 1.1 Be present as someone signs (a document) or gives (their signature) to a document and sign it oneself to confirm this.
  the clerk witnessed her signature
  Example sentencesExamples
  However, the first he knew of her career was when she asked him to witness her record contract, as she was still underage.
  The witness is not witnessing the accuracy of the information provided but is witnessing the signature of the person.
  If the patient already has signed the consent, it would be impossible for someone not present at the time to witness the patient's signature.
  Hunston wrote to the Law Society last November complaining that Doran had sworn in an affidavit that he witnessed Hunston signing the document.
  Who is allowed to witness the patient's signature on the consent form?
  Their signatures were again witnessed by John Walden.
  He was so concerned at the reference to Addison's disease, he wanted his neighbour, a local clergyman, to witness the records.
  His record was witnessed and verified by Gary Knight from Record Breakers.
  The vendors are certain of its authenticity, for they have witnessed the signature in person, but to allay scepticism they often list the item with a photograph of the event.
  Mr. Hillis witnessed Julien Gaignard's signature on the document.
  Mr Boundy was asked to witness the document and ensure that it was dated, and to return the mortgage document to the Piccadilly branch.
  Sir Elton's signature was witnessed by Mr Halley.
  He then asks them to witness the signature of his will.
  On most of my visits I saw Wendy Gould, who was living with him, as appears from the address she gave when she witnessed his signature on the Lease.
  The Charter was witnessed by Angela Billingham as Northampton's MEP and Neil Kinnock as the European Parliament's Commissioner of Transport.
  Stephen's assistant witnessed their signatures, and Stephen put it in the house safe.
  Ms Malone said she put her name as witnessing the documents that Mr Phelan handed to her.
  At the request of BMO, Mr. Yack witnessed Dr. Karimian's signature on this guarantee.
  I hereby witness the signing of this document by the above named in my presence.
  The signatures were forged by the defendant, who also signed the documents as having witnessed the signatures.
  Synonyms
  countersign, sign, endorse, validate
2Have knowledge of (an event or change) from personal observation or experience.
what we are witnessing is the birth of a new political entity
Example sentencesExamples
- In the end, however, the administration thought it would be an intriguing experience for students to witness the process of movie making up close and personal.
- We'd be able to watch that life growing and witness its development.
- In recent years, we've witnessed the birth and development of the PC as an artistic hobby.
- I have had my own experience of witnessing a mayor-turned-municipal activist.
- Heavy-handed searches, of the type witnessed by The Observer, involve large numbers of troops, armoured vehicles and attack helicopters.
- It was a touching experience to witness the third years as they marched up to the stage to collect their certificate from the principal, knowing this was the final day of their junior high school lives.
- I have been the village postman in Troutbeck for 18 years and during that time have witnessed dramatic changes in the availability of reasonable houses to rent or buy.
- Future generations will not have the pleasure and privilege of observing what I witnessed the other morning.
- Several experimental observations witnessing the reliability of the structural model have already been reported.
1. 2.1 (of a time, place, or other context) be the setting in which (an event or development) takes place.
  the 1980s witnessed an unprecedented increase in the scope of the electronic media
  Example sentencesExamples
  The period 1894-1913 witnessed intense growth in investment in tramways.
  The modern period has witnessed the emergence of many new forms of poetry and popular fiction.
  The period since World War II has witnessed dramatic changes in the preferences of individuals and their allocation of time and resources.
  Moreover, this period witnessed unparalleled growth in global competition.
  This period has witnessed major changes in our diets, lifestyle, and social practices, some of which may be having profound effects on human health.
  The post-Ranjit Singh period witnessed certain developments when attempts were made to revert to the Khalsa tradition.
  In the last several decades, the world has witnessed a knowledge explosion in the life sciences based on an understanding of genes and how they work.
  Finally, this period witnessed an unprecedented growth of Japan's cities.
  Critics point out that the city has witnessed a dramatic growth in employment due to an influx of high-technology manufacturing and service industries.
  The fall campaign witnessed extensive religious mobilization, albeit in a different configuration than in past years.
  Last year witnessed a dramatic downturn and 2002 promises to be little better, despite earlier hopes of a rebound in the second half of the year.
  This period of chaos witnessed the beginning of terrorist attacks launched against U.S. and Western interests.
  On the Continent, the Carolingian period witnessed a renewal of interest in classical art and learning.
  Indeed, the US economy witnessed unprecedented growth.
  The last twenty years have witnessed some dramatic developments in organizations and the relations between them.
  WW I was an ‘artillery war’ par excellence, witnessing the dramatic development of indirect fire and artillery fire control.
  Twentieth century's final years witnessed some cataclysmic events unprecedented in history.
  Services were disrupted during World War I and the interwar period witnessed few new developments except for the introduction of diesel motorships.
  The 1970s witnessed dramatic changes in policy rationales for state involvement in economic affairs.
  The Victorian period also witnessed considerable change in the economic structure of Scotland.
  This collection examines the period from the early 1980s that witnessed the beginning of dramatic changes in East-West relations.
2. 2.2witness tono object Give or serve as evidence of; testify to.
  his writings witness to an inner toughness
  Example sentencesExamples
  Graciously the Lord spared him for a further five years, during which he sought to witness to his family and show them the way of salvation.
  Their different ends give them the purchase to interpret the Christian aim as penultimate, and to witness to Christians that they should seek a better way.
  Only by sharing and caring and bearing each other's burdens can we become daring in witnessing to our faith in Christ, which gives us strength to continue in mission.
  It does not deal well with the question of how doing evil to one to stop evil to many can witness to the reign of a God that is truly and completely good.
  A wise Christian told me about a year ago that I should never forget that God has put me in a great position to witness to lots of people.
  Neither panels, as wings of a triptych, are of course signed, but they witness to a feature of El Greco's life - the production of multiple versions of the same scenes.
  To be a martyr is to witness to the truth we hold dear about our faith: the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit.
  As we exercise faithful stewardship over our bodies, we witness to our thankfulness to God for those bodies
  One of the young men we support has taught himself the deaf and dumb language in order to witness to this neglected and marginalised group of people in Russian society.
  Now, each of us is called to witness to the love that is freely offered to everyone who takes Jesus as their King.
  They witness to an agreement of both churches on the essentials of faith on the basis of the common tradition of the ancient church.
  Such vigilance is to witness to the power of Scripture and of Christ, as led by the Spirit.
  We should pray for Christian believers there, as they witness to their trust and confidence in the Lord Jesus Christ in the midst of such a tragedy.
  Every day provides plenty of opportunities to witness to the life of Christ in me and to die to myself so that I can care for others!
  They are true pilgrims who witness to us the meaning of hope.
  Synonyms
  attest to, be evidence of, be proof of, testify to, bear witness to, confirm, evidence, prove, verify, corroborate, substantiate, bear out
3. 2.3in imperative Look at (used to introduce a fact illustrating a preceding statement)
  the nuclear family is a vulnerable institution—witness the rates of marital breakdown
  Example sentencesExamples
  While I admire De-Bono ideas he does seem to be a bit of a control freak - witness his statement that the Aborigines have been playing the didgeridoo wrong for 3000 years.
3no object (of a person) openly profess one's religious faith.
our duty is to witness to God
Example sentencesExamples
- Mark says, about his efforts to witness to this man, ‘Praise God we are [now] getting somewhere.’
- And in humility, we all have to witness to our own faith in a way that enhances life rather than parade the bitterness with which fundamentalism distorts divine messages of love.
- Tell the Lord that you want to witness to him through your talents, your demeanor, and your acts of love.
- They are chosen by God to witness to Christ and suffer with Him.
- God directs those who follow Jesus Christ to represent Christ in the world and to witness to God's love.
- In so doing, they engage their proper task of struggling together to witness to and be the disciples of Christ in all that they say and do.
- Saints are forgiven sinners living by faith, witnessing to God's love, serving humanity, caring for creation.
- Each of us has received the Holy Spirit to witness to Jesus and to help spread the gospel.
- It is hoped that the examples of missionaries who have died will encourage others to witness to the Faith in their vocation in life.
- Becoming living stones means we need to learn to do mission better than ever before as we witness to God's all-inclusive and unconditional love.
- We were a group of Christians, about twenty to thirty in number, who had come together for the bank holiday weekend to witness to Jesus Christ.

Phrases

as God is my witness (or God be my witness)

An invocation of God as confirmation of the truth of a statement.
God be my witness, sir, I didn't!
Example sentencesExamples
- Now I know, as God is my witness, unless I'm senile no 5 year old is going to be talking to me that way.
- But as God is my witness, I'm not getting a little dog that fits into a Burbury tote.
- This altar's here, and as God is my witness, what else is a church for?
- But as God is my witness, I am going to drive perfectly from now on.
- But I am going to marry Theo Dewhurst, and be his wife, and bear his children, and as God is my witness, love and nothing else is going to rule my life.
- And as God is my witness what I will say next is the truth - I locked eyes with the largest tiger snake any living man has seen.
- But as God is my witness, we shall meet again, and Fate will not be in your favor!
- The others, even my fellow five-year-olds screeched in delight and were only hindered from mauling Santa by the serried ranks of nurses who secured her path to the Christmas tree where Santa, as God is my witness, kicked me out of her way.
- Finally, my solemn pledge to you: as God is my witness, this site will never, ever feature blinking, flashing, animated advertising of any sort.
- It was really never my aspiration as God is my witness to ever have a large salary.

call someone or something to witness

archaic Appeal or refer to someone or something for confirmation or evidence of something.
his hands extended upward as if to call the heavens to witness this injustice
Example sentencesExamples
- Those expressive black eyes seem to violently call the visitor to witness.
- The gods of Olympus know this sort of binding oath between them, which calls the infernal rivers to witness.
- Jesus has opened the kingdom of heaven and called his church to witness to his love.
- Henry saw how the currency of his work might be delayed, and that its meaning might emerge in the way it is called to witness an age when a South Pacific nation might feel the urge to realise itself as a republic.
- The hand position or mudra, which is most often associated with Shakyamuni Buddha, is ‘calling the earth to witness.’
- The classical iconographic representation of the Buddha's realization shows him touching the earth with his right hand, and calling the earth to witness his attainment.
- The Bible calls us to witness to and to serve the religious other as neighbor.
- The people of Israel learned a lesson about living a glorious life: God calls us to witness divine glory.
- As such, Christians are called to witness to the faith that is in them concerning the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
- He never called me to witness the miracle and finally informed me that he'd been instructed not to communicate with persons who were not ‘in’ the movement.

Origin

Old English witnes (see wit, -ness).

单词	witness
释义	Definition of witness in English: witness noun ˈwɪtnəsˈwɪtnəs 1A person who sees an event, typically a crime or accident, take place. police are appealing for witnesses to the accident I was witness to one of the most amazing comebacks in sprinting history Example sentencesExamples There were no independent witnesses to the accident which occurred on the main Cork-Bandon road. The quality cannot be guaranteed, but they come from all corners to the Cork county final, knowing they are witnesses to a unique event. I am appealing to any witnesses to the accident to come forward. Traffic officer PC Mark Pearce is asking witnesses to the accident to call 01245 452918 He also says there were valuable witnesses to that crime. The problem was that there were no witnesses to the crime. This normally takes the form of two witnesses to the crime or one witness and corroborating evidence, usually in the form of forensic evidence. Police are trying to trace the driver of the red Nissan and are appealing for witnesses to the accident at 8.45 pm on Friday to contact them on 856 6121. Officials say the shirts are intended to intimidate witnesses to crime. Sgt Bussey has now appealed for witnesses to the accident. But when I talked to them, none of the witnesses to the crime had done so. Later, the authorities said the soldiers might have been witnesses to a crime committed by others. Unfortunately it's a very high traffic area and not only would there be tons of witnesses to my crime, my life would have been endangered by speeding cars passing by. There were no witnesses to the crime but if anyone has any further information then please contact the Det Sgt Willmott on 01268 511212. Police have now issued a picture of Mr Goldman in a bid to get as many witnesses to the crime or the immediate aftermath to come forward to help them in their investigations. The quotations above are from various witnesses to that event. Any witnesses to the accident, who saw either vehicle before it, should call Beverley Police Station on 01482 597900. Police are appealing for any witnesses to the accident to contact them at Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Sgt Desmond appealed for witnesses to the crime to come forward. The witnesses to the accident agreed never to reveal who had slipped first, but according to Slesser both men ‘were an accident waiting to happen’. Synonyms observer, onlooker, looker-on, eyewitness, spectator, viewer, watcher bystander, passer-by North American earwitness 1.1 A person giving sworn testimony to a court of law or the police. a key witness at the trial as modifier oral evidence set down in witness statements Example sentencesExamples The two witnesses were not challenged on what they had said to those police witnesses on cross-examination. Defendants, witnesses, solicitors, police officers and probation officers will then have to travel 25 miles across Salisbury Plain. Sinclair complained that the Crown had failed to disclose a police statement that was inconsistent with evidence the witness gave in court. All of the police witnesses who testified were candid in their evidence that the seizure of the clothing was unrelated to the burglary tool charge. The evidence consisted of admissions, exhibits and the testimony of two police witnesses. Although referred to by the witness Police Constable Fagin during the course of her testimony the print out was not produced in evidence before me. He is due to appear before the High Court on October 20, where he will argue new evidence has been unearthed to discredit the testimony of a key witness in his trial. All the matters alleged by the applicant had been put to the witness by the police and been denied. Not having seen the witnesses, the appellate court cannot easily form a view about their general credibility. The defense also subpoenaed several police officers as defense witnesses who evidently were not taken into account in making the first estimate. Judges, lawyers, police officers and witnesses already complain about the frequent delays and adjournments in court. What is relevant is to consider, does this statement tend to challenge or contradict the testimony of the witness? After more objections from the Attorney-General and Solicitor General, the Court held the witness's testimony inadmissible. And finally, the suspect might have police witnesses who are willing to testify about mix-ups in the evidence lockers. Plans are being drawn up to issue police witnesses in court cases with a mobile phone to summon them to the witness stand just before they are needed with a simple text message. The Trial Chamber heard testimony from about 30 witnesses who survived the brutality, and who reported the frequent killings and torture. But because they are about acceptance of the testimony of the witnesses, they build up the credibility of the complainant. In the following section of the case stated the magistrates summarise the testimony of the witnesses who gave evidence. The said witness gave a statement to the police as well as testimony at trial. ‘Out of all the statements police take from witnesses, only a minority of those go to court,’ he said. Synonyms attestor, testifier Law deponent 1.2 A person who is present at the signing of a document and signs it themselves to confirm this. a deed signed in the presence of a witness Example sentencesExamples All three Petitions include the same constellation of facts, dates, actions, omissions, documents, witnesses and alleged damages. The document is signed by two witnesses, and has the standing of a legally binding agreement. The witnesses should obtain and document the consenting person's name and relationship to the patient. To become a legal document, the will must be printed and signed with two witnesses present. Someone had signed her postal voting declaration and someone else had signed as the witness. The dowry contract was read aloud and signed by witnesses. His daughter, Sruti Hassan, was a witness when he signed the papers in the presence of the Director of Medical Education, C. Ravindranath. I was relieved when the interminable service was over, and the solemn signing the register with witnesses was announced. Couples sign the partnership document in the presence of two witnesses and a Civil Partnership Registrar. The district judge said that she did not require witnesses to be present. If you didn't use a lawyer, you could always retype the entire document and then sign it in the presence of two witnesses and a notary. A will in your own handwriting is perfectly legal provided it is signed by two witnesses. Even if there are not third-party witnesses to this statement, this is the sort of testimony that the trial system is designed to evaluate. 2mass noun Evidence; proof. the memorial service was witness to the wide circle of his interests Example sentencesExamples Mr. Mason, the mysteriously wounded house guest, stood as witness to the fact that Bertha was still alive and living at Thoriifield. The large following created over 25 centuries ago and continuing to this day is witness to the fact that something of distinct value was created. In photos they forever give witness to the fact that every piece of the built world was imagined by human mind, placed by human hand. The feedback in this case showed that the sole witness to the apparition was a six year old boy named Roddy. There's nothing more uncomfortable than being witness to someone's issues. History is witness to the fact that at that time also some extremists had incited local people to ignite the fire of riots. The Canterbury Tales bear eloquent witness to the fact that for centuries Becket's tomb in the cathedral was the greatest pilgrimage shrine in England. Their deaths stand in visible and evident witness to the disjunctive structure of a Christian ethics of redemption. So much so that one begins to wonder if one is in fact witness to an ancient Flanderian sign language, life-threatening to those who fail to grasp its flailing inflections. History is witness to the fact, however, that those who chose to migrate and remained aware of the price to be paid are the ones who made the process of migration a successful one. His Narrative stands witness to this issue of self-naming. Synonyms evidence, indication, proof, testimony 2.1 Used to refer to confirmation or evidence given by signature or under oath. in witness thereof, the parties sign this document 2.2 Open profession of one's religious faith through words or actions. they will be able to give witness of their faith and confidence in God Example sentencesExamples ‘The Church is called to confess the faith and to commend it by faithful witness.’ Yet, exegetes can hardly ignore the unbroken consensus in the biblical witness, where the words are so clearly supported by the cross itself. For people of faith, witness and remembrance are essential stations in their pilgrimage. I thank God for his witness and faith in a God and Jesus who stood by him over the last 28 years in this place. Had it been written subsequent to that event, we would have commended those who have offered powerful witness and care in response to the tragedy. The Chronicles are the outpouring of his imaginative and religious experience; his witness of the life and faith he espoused. Youth were routinely invited to lead the entire liturgy, craft prayers, offer faith witnesses and even preach sermons. Underlying its actions is the belief ‘that ethical living is the supreme witness of religion.’ For me, they embody and express the faith and witness of an extraordinary servant of Christ. Rather, suffering and martyrdom are consequences of faithful witness in a hostile world. Jesus conquers Satan by uncovering this deception; he shows that the way of God is that of non-violent faithful witness. Dialogue allows for and encourages faithful and personal witness. This ministry has opened many opportunities for witness, counseling and inviting people to take part in the church's fellowship life. It requires instruction in the faith and above all training in prayer, so that the gifts necessary for humble service and faithful witness be received by all. Colson immediately and firmly calls them to order, reminding them that the role of Christian leaders is to bear faithful and persuasive witness. This implies that religious witness is also in order. We are enriched in our understanding of the faith and strengthened for witness and service in the world as we listen to the voices of all God's people and receive their gifts. At that time, when they are at the mercy of their enemies, they will be able to give witness of their faith and confidence in God. O God, bless this offering that it may become the finest of our possessions, the liveliest word of our witness, the greatest comfort to others in the giving. The call for ‘innovation’ is in a sense a call for contextualization of faith, worship and witness even in North America. 3A line or remnant of an original surface on a workpiece to show how much material has been removed or the shape of the original outline. verb ˈwɪtnəsˈwɪtnəs [with object] 1See (an event, typically a crime or accident) happen. staff who witnessed the murder Example sentencesExamples There are officers out there who deserve our support, some of whom have witnessed these crimes by their peers and have turned them in to face prosecution. If I get burgled, especially with the cops at my home at the time witnessing the crime, I think the only chance of getting an arrest or a charge of burglary would be to ring Stephen Franks. Later, arising out of the Carew murder case, the anonymous maidservant who witnessed the crime describes ‘a very small gentleman’. He called on anyone who may have found the dumped bag or who witnessed the crime to phone officers on 01904 631321. He was never involved in nor did he witness a war crime. Anyone witnessing a crime is encouraged to contact Swindon Police on 01793 528111 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. This all changed after witnessing the attempted crime right outside my window that night. Some of those people might believe they are smart, because nobody witnessed the crime and it saves him/her a few euros. The common factor in the two stories from different sides of the border is the indifference and the fear that paralyses people who witness such crimes. He was caught on CCTV and a staff member witnessed the theft. Some locals talk about wanting to pack up and leave after witnessing violent crime. By law, if three or more people witness a crime on the scale of murder, the one who committed the crime had no right to a fair trial. When Connor sees that Michael's teenage son has witnessed the crime, it spells tragedy for the O'Sullivan family. She said officers were following several lines of inquiry in connection with the incident and appealed to anyone who thought they had been a victim of crime, or anyone who had witnessed a crime in the area, to come forward. According to restaurant staff who witnessed the crime, there were at least six attackers, and they were dressed in police uniforms. By the time they realize their mistake, Dennis has a protector, namely Robert, who has witnessed the crime from his hotel window. If anyone has witnessed a car crime of this nature they should call Benfleet police on 01268 756221. At the moment, we are even working with Interpol because one of our clients witnessed war crimes in Kosovar. Soon after witnessing the rape and murder of his ostracised mother, he leaves home without word. The girl managed to hide behind the refrigerator with her brother and witnessed the war crimes first-hand. Synonyms see, observe, watch, look on at, be a witness to, view, note, notice, spot be present at, attend literary behold 1.1 Be present as someone signs (a document) or gives (their signature) to a document and sign it oneself to confirm this. the clerk witnessed her signature Example sentencesExamples Sir Elton's signature was witnessed by Mr Halley. Who is allowed to witness the patient's signature on the consent form? On most of my visits I saw Wendy Gould, who was living with him, as appears from the address she gave when she witnessed his signature on the Lease. Ms Malone said she put her name as witnessing the documents that Mr Phelan handed to her. Mr. Hillis witnessed Julien Gaignard's signature on the document. I hereby witness the signing of this document by the above named in my presence. The witness is not witnessing the accuracy of the information provided but is witnessing the signature of the person. Their signatures were again witnessed by John Walden. At the request of BMO, Mr. Yack witnessed Dr. Karimian's signature on this guarantee. The vendors are certain of its authenticity, for they have witnessed the signature in person, but to allay scepticism they often list the item with a photograph of the event. He then asks them to witness the signature of his will. His record was witnessed and verified by Gary Knight from Record Breakers. Stephen's assistant witnessed their signatures, and Stephen put it in the house safe. The signatures were forged by the defendant, who also signed the documents as having witnessed the signatures. Hunston wrote to the Law Society last November complaining that Doran had sworn in an affidavit that he witnessed Hunston signing the document. He was so concerned at the reference to Addison's disease, he wanted his neighbour, a local clergyman, to witness the records. If the patient already has signed the consent, it would be impossible for someone not present at the time to witness the patient's signature. Mr Boundy was asked to witness the document and ensure that it was dated, and to return the mortgage document to the Piccadilly branch. The Charter was witnessed by Angela Billingham as Northampton's MEP and Neil Kinnock as the European Parliament's Commissioner of Transport. However, the first he knew of her career was when she asked him to witness her record contract, as she was still underage. Synonyms countersign, sign, endorse, validate certificate, document North American notarize 2Have knowledge of (a development) from observation or experience. what we are witnessing is the birth of a new political entity Example sentencesExamples I have been the village postman in Troutbeck for 18 years and during that time have witnessed dramatic changes in the availability of reasonable houses to rent or buy. In recent years, we've witnessed the birth and development of the PC as an artistic hobby. It was a touching experience to witness the third years as they marched up to the stage to collect their certificate from the principal, knowing this was the final day of their junior high school lives. Several experimental observations witnessing the reliability of the structural model have already been reported. In the end, however, the administration thought it would be an intriguing experience for students to witness the process of movie making up close and personal. We'd be able to watch that life growing and witness its development. Future generations will not have the pleasure and privilege of observing what I witnessed the other morning. Heavy-handed searches, of the type witnessed by The Observer, involve large numbers of troops, armoured vehicles and attack helicopters. I have had my own experience of witnessing a mayor-turned-municipal activist. 2.1 Be the place, period, or setting in which (an event or development) takes place. the 1980s witnessed an unprecedented increase in the scope of the electronic media Example sentencesExamples In the last several decades, the world has witnessed a knowledge explosion in the life sciences based on an understanding of genes and how they work. This period has witnessed major changes in our diets, lifestyle, and social practices, some of which may be having profound effects on human health. Indeed, the US economy witnessed unprecedented growth. The Victorian period also witnessed considerable change in the economic structure of Scotland. Twentieth century's final years witnessed some cataclysmic events unprecedented in history. The last twenty years have witnessed some dramatic developments in organizations and the relations between them. On the Continent, the Carolingian period witnessed a renewal of interest in classical art and learning. The modern period has witnessed the emergence of many new forms of poetry and popular fiction. The period 1894-1913 witnessed intense growth in investment in tramways. Finally, this period witnessed an unprecedented growth of Japan's cities. Critics point out that the city has witnessed a dramatic growth in employment due to an influx of high-technology manufacturing and service industries. This period of chaos witnessed the beginning of terrorist attacks launched against U.S. and Western interests. The fall campaign witnessed extensive religious mobilization, albeit in a different configuration than in past years. The period since World War II has witnessed dramatic changes in the preferences of individuals and their allocation of time and resources. The post-Ranjit Singh period witnessed certain developments when attempts were made to revert to the Khalsa tradition. The 1970s witnessed dramatic changes in policy rationales for state involvement in economic affairs. This collection examines the period from the early 1980s that witnessed the beginning of dramatic changes in East-West relations. Services were disrupted during World War I and the interwar period witnessed few new developments except for the introduction of diesel motorships. Last year witnessed a dramatic downturn and 2002 promises to be little better, despite earlier hopes of a rebound in the second half of the year. WW I was an ‘artillery war’ par excellence, witnessing the dramatic development of indirect fire and artillery fire control. Moreover, this period witnessed unparalleled growth in global competition. 2.2 Be a sign or proof of (something); serve as evidence. the mid-1980s saw an intensification of interest in community care, as witnessed by the publication of four major reports no object his writings witness to an inner toughness Example sentencesExamples Neither panels, as wings of a triptych, are of course signed, but they witness to a feature of El Greco's life - the production of multiple versions of the same scenes. One of the young men we support has taught himself the deaf and dumb language in order to witness to this neglected and marginalised group of people in Russian society. Now, each of us is called to witness to the love that is freely offered to everyone who takes Jesus as their King. To be a martyr is to witness to the truth we hold dear about our faith: the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit. We should pray for Christian believers there, as they witness to their trust and confidence in the Lord Jesus Christ in the midst of such a tragedy. A wise Christian told me about a year ago that I should never forget that God has put me in a great position to witness to lots of people. They witness to an agreement of both churches on the essentials of faith on the basis of the common tradition of the ancient church. They are true pilgrims who witness to us the meaning of hope. Graciously the Lord spared him for a further five years, during which he sought to witness to his family and show them the way of salvation. It does not deal well with the question of how doing evil to one to stop evil to many can witness to the reign of a God that is truly and completely good. Only by sharing and caring and bearing each other's burdens can we become daring in witnessing to our faith in Christ, which gives us strength to continue in mission. Their different ends give them the purchase to interpret the Christian aim as penultimate, and to witness to Christians that they should seek a better way. Such vigilance is to witness to the power of Scripture and of Christ, as led by the Spirit. As we exercise faithful stewardship over our bodies, we witness to our thankfulness to God for those bodies Every day provides plenty of opportunities to witness to the life of Christ in me and to die to myself so that I can care for others! Synonyms attest to, be evidence/proof of, testify to, bear witness to, confirm, evidence, prove, verify, corroborate, substantiate, bear out show, demonstrate, establish, be a monument to, indicate, reveal literary bespeak 2.3in imperative Used to introduce an example that proves a preceding statement. the nuclear family is a vulnerable institution—witness the rates of marital breakdown Example sentencesExamples While I admire De-Bono ideas he does seem to be a bit of a control freak - witness his statement that the Aborigines have been playing the didgeridoo wrong for 3000 years. 3no object Openly profess one's religious faith. one of the purposes of his coming was to nerve the disciples to witness to Jesus Example sentencesExamples It is hoped that the examples of missionaries who have died will encourage others to witness to the Faith in their vocation in life. We were a group of Christians, about twenty to thirty in number, who had come together for the bank holiday weekend to witness to Jesus Christ. Saints are forgiven sinners living by faith, witnessing to God's love, serving humanity, caring for creation. God directs those who follow Jesus Christ to represent Christ in the world and to witness to God's love. They are chosen by God to witness to Christ and suffer with Him. In so doing, they engage their proper task of struggling together to witness to and be the disciples of Christ in all that they say and do. Each of us has received the Holy Spirit to witness to Jesus and to help spread the gospel. Mark says, about his efforts to witness to this man, ‘Praise God we are [now] getting somewhere.’ Becoming living stones means we need to learn to do mission better than ever before as we witness to God's all-inclusive and unconditional love. And in humility, we all have to witness to our own faith in a way that enhances life rather than parade the bitterness with which fundamentalism distorts divine messages of love. Tell the Lord that you want to witness to him through your talents, your demeanor, and your acts of love. Phrases as God is my witness (or God be my witness) An invocation of God as confirmation of the truth of a statement. God be my witness, sir, I didn't! Example sentencesExamples But as God is my witness, we shall meet again, and Fate will not be in your favor! But I am going to marry Theo Dewhurst, and be his wife, and bear his children, and as God is my witness, love and nothing else is going to rule my life. But as God is my witness, I am going to drive perfectly from now on. But as God is my witness, I'm not getting a little dog that fits into a Burbury tote. It was really never my aspiration as God is my witness to ever have a large salary. Now I know, as God is my witness, unless I'm senile no 5 year old is going to be talking to me that way. And as God is my witness what I will say next is the truth - I locked eyes with the largest tiger snake any living man has seen. The others, even my fellow five-year-olds screeched in delight and were only hindered from mauling Santa by the serried ranks of nurses who secured her path to the Christmas tree where Santa, as God is my witness, kicked me out of her way. This altar's here, and as God is my witness, what else is a church for? Finally, my solemn pledge to you: as God is my witness, this site will never, ever feature blinking, flashing, animated advertising of any sort. call someone/something to witness archaic Appeal or refer to someone or something for confirmation or evidence of something. Example sentencesExamples The Bible calls us to witness to and to serve the religious other as neighbor. The people of Israel learned a lesson about living a glorious life: God calls us to witness divine glory. He never called me to witness the miracle and finally informed me that he'd been instructed not to communicate with persons who were not ‘in’ the movement. As such, Christians are called to witness to the faith that is in them concerning the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The gods of Olympus know this sort of binding oath between them, which calls the infernal rivers to witness. Henry saw how the currency of his work might be delayed, and that its meaning might emerge in the way it is called to witness an age when a South Pacific nation might feel the urge to realise itself as a republic. The classical iconographic representation of the Buddha's realization shows him touching the earth with his right hand, and calling the earth to witness his attainment. Those expressive black eyes seem to violently call the visitor to witness. Jesus has opened the kingdom of heaven and called his church to witness to his love. The hand position or mudra, which is most often associated with Shakyamuni Buddha, is ‘calling the earth to witness.’ Origin Old English witnes (see wit¹, -ness). Rhymes fitness noun.1 phr. Definition of witness in US English: witness nounˈwitnəsˈwɪtnəs 1A person who sees an event, typically a crime or accident, take place. police are appealing for witnesses to the accident I was witness to one of the most amazing comebacks in sprinting history Example sentencesExamples The quality cannot be guaranteed, but they come from all corners to the Cork county final, knowing they are witnesses to a unique event. There were no witnesses to the crime but if anyone has any further information then please contact the Det Sgt Willmott on 01268 511212. Officials say the shirts are intended to intimidate witnesses to crime. There were no independent witnesses to the accident which occurred on the main Cork-Bandon road. Sgt Desmond appealed for witnesses to the crime to come forward. Police are appealing for any witnesses to the accident to contact them at Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Police are trying to trace the driver of the red Nissan and are appealing for witnesses to the accident at 8.45 pm on Friday to contact them on 856 6121. Sgt Bussey has now appealed for witnesses to the accident. He also says there were valuable witnesses to that crime. The quotations above are from various witnesses to that event. This normally takes the form of two witnesses to the crime or one witness and corroborating evidence, usually in the form of forensic evidence. The witnesses to the accident agreed never to reveal who had slipped first, but according to Slesser both men ‘were an accident waiting to happen’. Unfortunately it's a very high traffic area and not only would there be tons of witnesses to my crime, my life would have been endangered by speeding cars passing by. Traffic officer PC Mark Pearce is asking witnesses to the accident to call 01245 452918 Police have now issued a picture of Mr Goldman in a bid to get as many witnesses to the crime or the immediate aftermath to come forward to help them in their investigations. Later, the authorities said the soldiers might have been witnesses to a crime committed by others. I am appealing to any witnesses to the accident to come forward. The problem was that there were no witnesses to the crime. Any witnesses to the accident, who saw either vehicle before it, should call Beverley Police Station on 01482 597900. But when I talked to them, none of the witnesses to the crime had done so. Synonyms observer, onlooker, looker-on, eyewitness, spectator, viewer, watcher 1.1 A person giving sworn testimony to a court of law or the police. Example sentencesExamples All of the police witnesses who testified were candid in their evidence that the seizure of the clothing was unrelated to the burglary tool charge. The said witness gave a statement to the police as well as testimony at trial. Judges, lawyers, police officers and witnesses already complain about the frequent delays and adjournments in court. After more objections from the Attorney-General and Solicitor General, the Court held the witness's testimony inadmissible. He is due to appear before the High Court on October 20, where he will argue new evidence has been unearthed to discredit the testimony of a key witness in his trial. Not having seen the witnesses, the appellate court cannot easily form a view about their general credibility. The evidence consisted of admissions, exhibits and the testimony of two police witnesses. What is relevant is to consider, does this statement tend to challenge or contradict the testimony of the witness? The Trial Chamber heard testimony from about 30 witnesses who survived the brutality, and who reported the frequent killings and torture. But because they are about acceptance of the testimony of the witnesses, they build up the credibility of the complainant. The two witnesses were not challenged on what they had said to those police witnesses on cross-examination. ‘Out of all the statements police take from witnesses, only a minority of those go to court,’ he said. Although referred to by the witness Police Constable Fagin during the course of her testimony the print out was not produced in evidence before me. Plans are being drawn up to issue police witnesses in court cases with a mobile phone to summon them to the witness stand just before they are needed with a simple text message. The defense also subpoenaed several police officers as defense witnesses who evidently were not taken into account in making the first estimate. And finally, the suspect might have police witnesses who are willing to testify about mix-ups in the evidence lockers. Defendants, witnesses, solicitors, police officers and probation officers will then have to travel 25 miles across Salisbury Plain. In the following section of the case stated the magistrates summarise the testimony of the witnesses who gave evidence. Sinclair complained that the Crown had failed to disclose a police statement that was inconsistent with evidence the witness gave in court. All the matters alleged by the applicant had been put to the witness by the police and been denied. Synonyms attestor, testifier 1.2 A person who is present at the signing of a document and signs it themselves to confirm this. Example sentencesExamples To become a legal document, the will must be printed and signed with two witnesses present. The document is signed by two witnesses, and has the standing of a legally binding agreement. Couples sign the partnership document in the presence of two witnesses and a Civil Partnership Registrar. Someone had signed her postal voting declaration and someone else had signed as the witness. If you didn't use a lawyer, you could always retype the entire document and then sign it in the presence of two witnesses and a notary. The witnesses should obtain and document the consenting person's name and relationship to the patient. Even if there are not third-party witnesses to this statement, this is the sort of testimony that the trial system is designed to evaluate. His daughter, Sruti Hassan, was a witness when he signed the papers in the presence of the Director of Medical Education, C. Ravindranath. The dowry contract was read aloud and signed by witnesses. The district judge said that she did not require witnesses to be present. I was relieved when the interminable service was over, and the solemn signing the register with witnesses was announced. A will in your own handwriting is perfectly legal provided it is signed by two witnesses. All three Petitions include the same constellation of facts, dates, actions, omissions, documents, witnesses and alleged damages. 2Evidence; proof. the memorial service was witness to the wide circle of his interest Example sentencesExamples There's nothing more uncomfortable than being witness to someone's issues. Mr. Mason, the mysteriously wounded house guest, stood as witness to the fact that Bertha was still alive and living at Thoriifield. So much so that one begins to wonder if one is in fact witness to an ancient Flanderian sign language, life-threatening to those who fail to grasp its flailing inflections. History is witness to the fact that at that time also some extremists had incited local people to ignite the fire of riots. In photos they forever give witness to the fact that every piece of the built world was imagined by human mind, placed by human hand. The Canterbury Tales bear eloquent witness to the fact that for centuries Becket's tomb in the cathedral was the greatest pilgrimage shrine in England. The large following created over 25 centuries ago and continuing to this day is witness to the fact that something of distinct value was created. Their deaths stand in visible and evident witness to the disjunctive structure of a Christian ethics of redemption. The feedback in this case showed that the sole witness to the apparition was a six year old boy named Roddy. History is witness to the fact, however, that those who chose to migrate and remained aware of the price to be paid are the ones who made the process of migration a successful one. His Narrative stands witness to this issue of self-naming. Synonyms evidence, indication, proof, testimony 2.1 Used to refer to confirmation or evidence given by signature, under oath, or otherwise. in witness thereof, the parties sign this document 2.2 Open profession of one's religious faith through words or actions. faithful Christian witness Example sentencesExamples This ministry has opened many opportunities for witness, counseling and inviting people to take part in the church's fellowship life. The Chronicles are the outpouring of his imaginative and religious experience; his witness of the life and faith he espoused. It requires instruction in the faith and above all training in prayer, so that the gifts necessary for humble service and faithful witness be received by all. Jesus conquers Satan by uncovering this deception; he shows that the way of God is that of non-violent faithful witness. For people of faith, witness and remembrance are essential stations in their pilgrimage. The call for ‘innovation’ is in a sense a call for contextualization of faith, worship and witness even in North America. I thank God for his witness and faith in a God and Jesus who stood by him over the last 28 years in this place. Yet, exegetes can hardly ignore the unbroken consensus in the biblical witness, where the words are so clearly supported by the cross itself. We are enriched in our understanding of the faith and strengthened for witness and service in the world as we listen to the voices of all God's people and receive their gifts. For me, they embody and express the faith and witness of an extraordinary servant of Christ. Underlying its actions is the belief ‘that ethical living is the supreme witness of religion.’ Had it been written subsequent to that event, we would have commended those who have offered powerful witness and care in response to the tragedy. O God, bless this offering that it may become the finest of our possessions, the liveliest word of our witness, the greatest comfort to others in the giving. Colson immediately and firmly calls them to order, reminding them that the role of Christian leaders is to bear faithful and persuasive witness. Dialogue allows for and encourages faithful and personal witness. Youth were routinely invited to lead the entire liturgy, craft prayers, offer faith witnesses and even preach sermons. ‘The Church is called to confess the faith and to commend it by faithful witness.’ This implies that religious witness is also in order. Rather, suffering and martyrdom are consequences of faithful witness in a hostile world. At that time, when they are at the mercy of their enemies, they will be able to give witness of their faith and confidence in God. 3A member of the Jehovah's Witnesses. Example sentencesExamples I think a lot of it is due to my Mum, she was raised as a Jehovah's witness. A short blonde woman in a dress suit stood there with a folder under her arm, looking for all the world like a Jehovah's witness ready to sell her salvation. ‘And as for you folks, I hereby arrest you for grand theft auto’ ranted on the copper like a Jehovah's witness. I haven't been one for some time. That doesn't mean, though, that I'm not a witness of Jehovah. verbˈwitnəsˈwɪtnəs 1with object See (an event, typically a crime or accident) take place. a bartender who witnessed the murder Example sentencesExamples According to restaurant staff who witnessed the crime, there were at least six attackers, and they were dressed in police uniforms. Anyone witnessing a crime is encouraged to contact Swindon Police on 01793 528111 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. When Connor sees that Michael's teenage son has witnessed the crime, it spells tragedy for the O'Sullivan family. Some of those people might believe they are smart, because nobody witnessed the crime and it saves him/her a few euros. By law, if three or more people witness a crime on the scale of murder, the one who committed the crime had no right to a fair trial. The common factor in the two stories from different sides of the border is the indifference and the fear that paralyses people who witness such crimes. She said officers were following several lines of inquiry in connection with the incident and appealed to anyone who thought they had been a victim of crime, or anyone who had witnessed a crime in the area, to come forward. There are officers out there who deserve our support, some of whom have witnessed these crimes by their peers and have turned them in to face prosecution. Soon after witnessing the rape and murder of his ostracised mother, he leaves home without word. If I get burgled, especially with the cops at my home at the time witnessing the crime, I think the only chance of getting an arrest or a charge of burglary would be to ring Stephen Franks. He was caught on CCTV and a staff member witnessed the theft. At the moment, we are even working with Interpol because one of our clients witnessed war crimes in Kosovar. He called on anyone who may have found the dumped bag or who witnessed the crime to phone officers on 01904 631321. The girl managed to hide behind the refrigerator with her brother and witnessed the war crimes first-hand. He was never involved in nor did he witness a war crime. If anyone has witnessed a car crime of this nature they should call Benfleet police on 01268 756221. Some locals talk about wanting to pack up and leave after witnessing violent crime. Later, arising out of the Carew murder case, the anonymous maidservant who witnessed the crime describes ‘a very small gentleman’. By the time they realize their mistake, Dennis has a protector, namely Robert, who has witnessed the crime from his hotel window. This all changed after witnessing the attempted crime right outside my window that night. Synonyms see, observe, watch, look on at, be a witness to, view, note, notice, spot 1.1 Be present as someone signs (a document) or gives (their signature) to a document and sign it oneself to confirm this. the clerk witnessed her signature Example sentencesExamples However, the first he knew of her career was when she asked him to witness her record contract, as she was still underage. The witness is not witnessing the accuracy of the information provided but is witnessing the signature of the person. If the patient already has signed the consent, it would be impossible for someone not present at the time to witness the patient's signature. Hunston wrote to the Law Society last November complaining that Doran had sworn in an affidavit that he witnessed Hunston signing the document. Who is allowed to witness the patient's signature on the consent form? Their signatures were again witnessed by John Walden. He was so concerned at the reference to Addison's disease, he wanted his neighbour, a local clergyman, to witness the records. His record was witnessed and verified by Gary Knight from Record Breakers. The vendors are certain of its authenticity, for they have witnessed the signature in person, but to allay scepticism they often list the item with a photograph of the event. Mr. Hillis witnessed Julien Gaignard's signature on the document. Mr Boundy was asked to witness the document and ensure that it was dated, and to return the mortgage document to the Piccadilly branch. Sir Elton's signature was witnessed by Mr Halley. He then asks them to witness the signature of his will. On most of my visits I saw Wendy Gould, who was living with him, as appears from the address she gave when she witnessed his signature on the Lease. The Charter was witnessed by Angela Billingham as Northampton's MEP and Neil Kinnock as the European Parliament's Commissioner of Transport. Stephen's assistant witnessed their signatures, and Stephen put it in the house safe. Ms Malone said she put her name as witnessing the documents that Mr Phelan handed to her. At the request of BMO, Mr. Yack witnessed Dr. Karimian's signature on this guarantee. I hereby witness the signing of this document by the above named in my presence. The signatures were forged by the defendant, who also signed the documents as having witnessed the signatures. Synonyms countersign, sign, endorse, validate 2Have knowledge of (an event or change) from personal observation or experience. what we are witnessing is the birth of a new political entity Example sentencesExamples In the end, however, the administration thought it would be an intriguing experience for students to witness the process of movie making up close and personal. We'd be able to watch that life growing and witness its development. In recent years, we've witnessed the birth and development of the PC as an artistic hobby. I have had my own experience of witnessing a mayor-turned-municipal activist. Heavy-handed searches, of the type witnessed by The Observer, involve large numbers of troops, armoured vehicles and attack helicopters. It was a touching experience to witness the third years as they marched up to the stage to collect their certificate from the principal, knowing this was the final day of their junior high school lives. I have been the village postman in Troutbeck for 18 years and during that time have witnessed dramatic changes in the availability of reasonable houses to rent or buy. Future generations will not have the pleasure and privilege of observing what I witnessed the other morning. Several experimental observations witnessing the reliability of the structural model have already been reported. 2.1 (of a time, place, or other context) be the setting in which (an event or development) takes place. the 1980s witnessed an unprecedented increase in the scope of the electronic media Example sentencesExamples The period 1894-1913 witnessed intense growth in investment in tramways. The modern period has witnessed the emergence of many new forms of poetry and popular fiction. The period since World War II has witnessed dramatic changes in the preferences of individuals and their allocation of time and resources. Moreover, this period witnessed unparalleled growth in global competition. This period has witnessed major changes in our diets, lifestyle, and social practices, some of which may be having profound effects on human health. The post-Ranjit Singh period witnessed certain developments when attempts were made to revert to the Khalsa tradition. In the last several decades, the world has witnessed a knowledge explosion in the life sciences based on an understanding of genes and how they work. Finally, this period witnessed an unprecedented growth of Japan's cities. Critics point out that the city has witnessed a dramatic growth in employment due to an influx of high-technology manufacturing and service industries. The fall campaign witnessed extensive religious mobilization, albeit in a different configuration than in past years. Last year witnessed a dramatic downturn and 2002 promises to be little better, despite earlier hopes of a rebound in the second half of the year. This period of chaos witnessed the beginning of terrorist attacks launched against U.S. and Western interests. On the Continent, the Carolingian period witnessed a renewal of interest in classical art and learning. Indeed, the US economy witnessed unprecedented growth. The last twenty years have witnessed some dramatic developments in organizations and the relations between them. WW I was an ‘artillery war’ par excellence, witnessing the dramatic development of indirect fire and artillery fire control. Twentieth century's final years witnessed some cataclysmic events unprecedented in history. Services were disrupted during World War I and the interwar period witnessed few new developments except for the introduction of diesel motorships. The 1970s witnessed dramatic changes in policy rationales for state involvement in economic affairs. The Victorian period also witnessed considerable change in the economic structure of Scotland. This collection examines the period from the early 1980s that witnessed the beginning of dramatic changes in East-West relations. 2.2witness tono object Give or serve as evidence of; testify to. his writings witness to an inner toughness Example sentencesExamples Graciously the Lord spared him for a further five years, during which he sought to witness to his family and show them the way of salvation. Their different ends give them the purchase to interpret the Christian aim as penultimate, and to witness to Christians that they should seek a better way. Only by sharing and caring and bearing each other's burdens can we become daring in witnessing to our faith in Christ, which gives us strength to continue in mission. It does not deal well with the question of how doing evil to one to stop evil to many can witness to the reign of a God that is truly and completely good. A wise Christian told me about a year ago that I should never forget that God has put me in a great position to witness to lots of people. Neither panels, as wings of a triptych, are of course signed, but they witness to a feature of El Greco's life - the production of multiple versions of the same scenes. To be a martyr is to witness to the truth we hold dear about our faith: the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit. As we exercise faithful stewardship over our bodies, we witness to our thankfulness to God for those bodies One of the young men we support has taught himself the deaf and dumb language in order to witness to this neglected and marginalised group of people in Russian society. Now, each of us is called to witness to the love that is freely offered to everyone who takes Jesus as their King. They witness to an agreement of both churches on the essentials of faith on the basis of the common tradition of the ancient church. Such vigilance is to witness to the power of Scripture and of Christ, as led by the Spirit. We should pray for Christian believers there, as they witness to their trust and confidence in the Lord Jesus Christ in the midst of such a tragedy. Every day provides plenty of opportunities to witness to the life of Christ in me and to die to myself so that I can care for others! They are true pilgrims who witness to us the meaning of hope. Synonyms attest to, be evidence of, be proof of, testify to, bear witness to, confirm, evidence, prove, verify, corroborate, substantiate, bear out 2.3in imperative Look at (used to introduce a fact illustrating a preceding statement) the nuclear family is a vulnerable institution—witness the rates of marital breakdown Example sentencesExamples While I admire De-Bono ideas he does seem to be a bit of a control freak - witness his statement that the Aborigines have been playing the didgeridoo wrong for 3000 years. 3no object (of a person) openly profess one's religious faith. our duty is to witness to God Example sentencesExamples Mark says, about his efforts to witness to this man, ‘Praise God we are [now] getting somewhere.’ And in humility, we all have to witness to our own faith in a way that enhances life rather than parade the bitterness with which fundamentalism distorts divine messages of love. Tell the Lord that you want to witness to him through your talents, your demeanor, and your acts of love. They are chosen by God to witness to Christ and suffer with Him. God directs those who follow Jesus Christ to represent Christ in the world and to witness to God's love. In so doing, they engage their proper task of struggling together to witness to and be the disciples of Christ in all that they say and do. Saints are forgiven sinners living by faith, witnessing to God's love, serving humanity, caring for creation. Each of us has received the Holy Spirit to witness to Jesus and to help spread the gospel. It is hoped that the examples of missionaries who have died will encourage others to witness to the Faith in their vocation in life. Becoming living stones means we need to learn to do mission better than ever before as we witness to God's all-inclusive and unconditional love. We were a group of Christians, about twenty to thirty in number, who had come together for the bank holiday weekend to witness to Jesus Christ. Phrases as God is my witness (or God be my witness) An invocation of God as confirmation of the truth of a statement. God be my witness, sir, I didn't! Example sentencesExamples Now I know, as God is my witness, unless I'm senile no 5 year old is going to be talking to me that way. But as God is my witness, I'm not getting a little dog that fits into a Burbury tote. This altar's here, and as God is my witness, what else is a church for? But as God is my witness, I am going to drive perfectly from now on. But I am going to marry Theo Dewhurst, and be his wife, and bear his children, and as God is my witness, love and nothing else is going to rule my life. And as God is my witness what I will say next is the truth - I locked eyes with the largest tiger snake any living man has seen. But as God is my witness, we shall meet again, and Fate will not be in your favor! The others, even my fellow five-year-olds screeched in delight and were only hindered from mauling Santa by the serried ranks of nurses who secured her path to the Christmas tree where Santa, as God is my witness, kicked me out of her way. Finally, my solemn pledge to you: as God is my witness, this site will never, ever feature blinking, flashing, animated advertising of any sort. It was really never my aspiration as God is my witness to ever have a large salary. call someone or something to witness archaic Appeal or refer to someone or something for confirmation or evidence of something. his hands extended upward as if to call the heavens to witness this injustice Example sentencesExamples Those expressive black eyes seem to violently call the visitor to witness. The gods of Olympus know this sort of binding oath between them, which calls the infernal rivers to witness. Jesus has opened the kingdom of heaven and called his church to witness to his love. Henry saw how the currency of his work might be delayed, and that its meaning might emerge in the way it is called to witness an age when a South Pacific nation might feel the urge to realise itself as a republic. The hand position or mudra, which is most often associated with Shakyamuni Buddha, is ‘calling the earth to witness.’ The classical iconographic representation of the Buddha's realization shows him touching the earth with his right hand, and calling the earth to witness his attainment. The Bible calls us to witness to and to serve the religious other as neighbor. The people of Israel learned a lesson about living a glorious life: God calls us to witness divine glory. As such, Christians are called to witness to the faith that is in them concerning the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He never called me to witness the miracle and finally informed me that he'd been instructed not to communicate with persons who were not ‘in’ the movement. Origin Old English witnes (see wit, -ness). noun.1 phr.
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