witnessing

5 definitions • 8 examples

present participle of

to see something happen, especially an accident or crime:

Did anyone witness the attack?

They were staying in the capital at the time of the riots and witnessed several street battles.

[ + -ing verb ] He arrived home just in time to witness his brother being taken away by the police.

to be present at an event and to sign your name as proof that it happened or that it was done correctly:

Her will was witnessed by two colleagues.

When a place or period witnesses a particular event, the event happens in that place or during that period:

This university has witnessed quite a few changes over the years.

Those years witnessed momentous changes throughout Europe.

to show or give proof of something:

as witnessed by This year's charity ball was the most successful one ever, as witnessed by the number of tickets sold.

The programme aroused strong feelings - witness the number of letters received.