Definition of "witness" in Anglais

noun

1. (uncountable) Attestation of a fact or event; testimony.

   • She can bear witness, since she was there at the time.

2. (countable) One who sees or has personal knowledge of something.

   • As a witness to the event, I can confirm that he really said that.

3. (countable, law) Someone called to give evidence in a court.

   • The witness for the prosecution did not seem very credible.

4. (countable) One who is called upon to witness an event or action, such as a wedding or the signing of a document.

   • The bridesmaid and best man at a wedding typically serve as the witnesses.

5. (countable) Something that serves as evidence; a sign or token.

6. (textual criticism) A particular version of a text (seen as providing testimony of archetype or other earlier version)

verb

1. (transitive) To furnish proof of, to show.

   • This certificate witnesses his presence on that day.

2. (transitive) To take as evidence.

3. (transitive) To see or gain knowledge of through experience.

   • He witnessed the accident.

4. (intransitive, construed with to or for) To present personal religious testimony; to preach at (someone) or on behalf of.

5. To see the execution of (a legal instrument), and subscribe it for the purpose of establishing its authenticity.

   • to witness a bond or a deed