bear witness

[ bair wit-nis ]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of bear witness¹

First recorded in 1300–50