testify

[ tes-tuh-fahy ]

verb (used without object)

, tes·ti·fied, tes·ti·fy·ing.

1. to bear witness; give or afford evidence.
2. Law. to give testimony under oath or solemn affirmation, usually in court.
3. to make solemn declaration.

verb (used with object)

, tes·ti·fied, tes·ti·fy·ing.

1. to bear witness to; affirm as fact or truth; attest.
2. to give or afford evidence of in any manner.

   Synonyms: prove, signify, show, indicate

3. Law. to state or declare under oath or affirmation, usually in court.
4. to declare, profess, or acknowledge openly.

testify

/ ˈtɛstɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. when tr, may take a clause as object to state (something) formally as a declaration of fact

   I testify that I know nothing about him

2. law to declare or give (evidence) under oath, esp in court
3. whenintr, often foll by to to be evidence (of); serve as witness (to)

   the money testified to his good faith

4. tr to declare or acknowledge openly

Derived Forms

• ˌtestifiˈcation, noun
• ˈtestiˌfier, noun

Other Words From

• tes·ti·fi·er noun
• pre·tes·ti·fy verb (used with object) pretestified pretestifying
• re·tes·ti·fy verb retestified retestifying
• un·tes·ti·fy·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of testify¹

1350–1400; Middle English testifyen < Latin testificārī to bear witness, equivalent to testi ( s ) witness + -ficārī -fy

Word History and Origins

Origin of testify¹

C14: from Latin testificārī, from testis witness

Example Sentences

He is due to testify in that trial next month, having failed to have the case thrown own, believing it is a political witch-hunt.

From BBC

She filed her own claim against the city earlier this year, alleging was been denied the promotion as retaliation for agreeing to testify on Colomey’s behalf.

From Los Angeles Times

The Senate approval process requires nominees to submit financial disclosure forms, fill out a questionnaire - which differs based on the role - and testify before a Senate committee.

From BBC

His involvement helped her persuade other victims to come forward and testify.

From Los Angeles Times

Walter said that, after watching Esparza testify at four trials, he was convinced that Esparza fully embraced the luxurious lifestyle that resulted from his corruption.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• announce
• argue
• assert
• declare
• depose
• indicate
• swear