Phrase guide

take the stand

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To testify as a witness in a trial.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • The press speculated about whether he would take the stand and testify in his defense.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

give testimony in a court of law

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: testify, attest, bear witness

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: declare

Narrower terms: vouch

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.