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Definition witness in British English

witness verb

verb
/ˈwɪtnəs/
1

to see something happen, for example a crime or an accident

Example

Several journalists witnessed the incident in which eight people were injured.

Example

Ambulance crews witness scenes like these every day.

Synonyms and related words
1.1

to be present when something important happens

Example

What we are witnessing is a party running out of ideas.

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1.2

used for saying that something happened at a particular time or in a particular place

Example

The 1980s witnessed enormous growth in the financial sector.

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2

to watch someone sign an official document, and then sign it yourself to state that you have watched them

Example

Could you witness my signature on this visa application?

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3

to tell people about your strong Christian beliefs

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4

used before you give an example that proves what you have just said

Example

He was as much a journalist as a storyteller: witness the fact that many of his concerns are still relevant today.

Synonyms and related words
Definition witness in British English