witness: Meaning and Definition of

wit•ness

Pronunciation: (wit'nis), [key]
— v.t.
  1. to see, hear, or know by personal presence and perception: to witness an accident.
  2. to be present at (an occurrence) as a formal witness, spectator, bystander, etc.: She witnessed our wedding.
  3. to bear witness to; testify to; give or afford evidence of.
  4. to attest by one's signature: He witnessed her will.
—v.i.
  1. to bear witness; testify; give or afford evidence.
—n.
  1. an individual who, being present, personally sees or perceives a thing; a beholder, spectator, or eyewitness.
  2. a person or thing that affords evidence.
  3. a person who gives testimony, as in a court of law.
  4. a person who signs a document attesting the genuineness of its execution.
  5. testimony or evidence: to bear witness to her suffering.
  6. (cap.) a member of the Jehovah's Witnesses.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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