bear witness

American  

[bair wit-nis] / ˈbɛər ˈwɪt nɪs /

idiom

1. to serve as evidence that something is true or real.

   Not everyone’s sobriety can bear witness to the effectiveness of rehab, but in her case it most certainly can.

2. to proclaim or demonstrate a devout belief in.

   Who will join me in bearing witness to our Lord?

3. to testify; give or afford evidence, as in a court of law.

   When the case went to trial, he reluctantly agreed to bear witness against his neighbor.

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Etymology

Origin of bear witness

First recorded in 1300–50