witness Definition
- 1a person who sees an event happening, especially a crime or an accident
- 2to see something happen, especially a crime or an accident
- 3to 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
Phrases with witness
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.
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'
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.'