Eyewitness
/ˈaɪˌwɪt.nəs/noun
A person who sees an event, typically a crime or accident, take place.
Did you know?The term 'eyewitness' emerged in the Middle Ages when the act of witnessing was seen as a divine duty, linking personal observation with a higher moral responsibility.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
Old English
witan
“to know or perceive, often in a legal context.”
Middle English
Middle English
witnesse
“a person who gives testimony, derived from the act of knowing.”
14th Century
Middle English
eyewitnesse
“a witness who saw the event personally, emphasizing direct observation.”
Modern English
English
eyewitness
“a legal term for someone who has direct knowledge of an event, combining 'eye' and 'witness'.”