Witness: meaning, definitions and examples

👀

Add to dictionary

witness

[ ˈwɪtnəs ]

^{Context #1}

legal term

A person who sees an event take place, especially a crime or accident, and can provide testimony in court.

Synonyms

observer, onlooker, spectator

Examples of usage

The witness identified the suspect in a lineup.
The witness was called to testify during the trial.

^{Context #2}

general

To see (an event, typically a crime or accident) take place.

Synonyms

observe, see, watch

Examples of usage

She witnessed the car crash from across the street.
He witnessed the argument between his neighbors.

Translations

Translations of the word "witness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 testemunha

🇮🇳 गवाह

🇩🇪 Zeuge

🇮🇩 saksi

🇺🇦 свідок

🇵🇱 świadek

🇯🇵 証人 (shōnin)

🇫🇷 témoin

🇪🇸 testigo

🇹🇷 tanık

🇰🇷 증인 (jeung-in)

🇸🇦 شاهد (shaahid)

🇨🇿 svědek

🇸🇰 svedok

🇨🇳 见证人 (jiànzhèngrén)

🇸🇮 priča

🇮🇸 vitni

🇰🇿 куәгер

🇬🇪 მოწმე (motsme)

🇦🇿 şahid

🇲🇽 testigo

Word origin

The word 'witness' originated from the Old English 'witeness', which was derived from 'witan' meaning 'to know'. The term has roots in Old Norse and Proto-Germanic languages as well. Over time, 'witness' evolved to encompass the concept of seeing an event and providing testimony. In legal contexts, a witness plays a crucial role in providing firsthand accounts of events for the administration of justice.

See also: outwit, unwittingly, wit, witticism, wittily, wittiness, witty.