attest

verb at·test \ə-ˈtest\

: to show, prove, or state that something is true or real

Full Definition of ATTEST

transitive verb

a : to affirm to be true or genuine; specifically : to authenticate by signing as a witness

b : to authenticate officially

: to establish or verify the usage of

: to be proof of : manifest <her record attests her integrity>

: to put on oath

intransitive verb

: to bear witness : testify <attest to a belief>

— at·tes·ta·tion \ˌa-ˌtes-ˈtā-shən, ˌa-tə-ˈstā-\ noun

— at·test·er \ə-ˈtes-tər\ noun

See attest defined for English-language learners

See attest defined for kids

Origin of ATTEST

Middle French attester, from Latin attestari, from ad- + testis witness — more at testament

First Known Use: circa 1500

Related to ATTEST

Synonyms: certify, authenticate, avouch, testify (to), vouch (for), witness

Antonyms: disprove, rebut, refute

Synonym Discussion of ATTEST

certify, attest, witness, vouch mean to testify to the truth or genuineness of something. certify usually applies to a written statement, especially one carrying a signature or seal <certified that the candidate had met all requirements>. attest applies to oral or written testimony usually from experts or witnesses <attested to the authenticity of the document>. witness applies to the subscribing of one's own name to a document as evidence of its genuineness <witnessed the signing of the will>. vouch applies to one who testifies as a competent authority or a reliable person <willing to vouch for her integrity>.

ATTEST Defined for Kids