witness

[ˈwɪtnəs]

witness Definition

• 1. a person who sees an event happening, especially a crime or an accident
• 2. to see something happen, especially a crime or an accident
• 3. to be present at an event and be able to say that it happened

Using witness: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "witness" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The police are looking for witnesses to the accident.

• Example

  She witnessed the murder and testified in court.

• Example

  I can witness that he was at the meeting yesterday.

witness Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for witness

• observer
• spectator
• onlooker
• testify
• attest

Antonyms for witness

• perpetrator
• culprit
• suspect

Phrases with witness

• bear witness

  to provide evidence or testimony about something

  Example

  The victim's family members will bear witness to the impact of the crime on their lives.

• witness stand

  the place in a courtroom where a witness sits or stands to give evidence

  Example

  The defendant's lawyer cross-examined the witness on the witness stand.

• witness protection

  a program in which the government provides protection for a witness who may be in danger because of their testimony

  Example

  After testifying against the mafia, the witness was placed in witness protection.

Origins of witness

from Old English 'witnes', meaning 'knowledge, testimony'

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Summary: witness in Brief

The word 'witness' [ˈwɪtnəs] refers to a person who sees an event, especially a crime or an accident, and can provide evidence or testimony about it. It can also mean to see something happen or be present at an event and be able to say that it happened. Examples include 'The police are looking for witnesses to the accident' and 'She witnessed the murder and testified in court.' Phrases include 'bear witness,' 'witness stand,' and 'witness protection.'