rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryRoot: testari
Latin

testari

bear witness or declare

Forms

  • testari
  • testat- — The form used for completed action.

Origin

Formed from Latin testis, “witness.”

Note

A declaration can establish evidence, affirm a fact, or record a person's wishes.

6 / 11
Two demonstrators publicly object to tree removal, standing before a threatened mature tree with determined expressions and raised placards showing a chainsaw crossed out by a red prohibition symbol.
noun / verb

protest

PROH-test/ˈprəʊtest/

An expression of strong disagreement or objection.

Etymology
proLatinbefore, forward; on behalf of
+testLatinbear witness or declare

The pieces express testifying publicly, so a protest originally meant a solemn declaration. That broad sense narrowed to a declaration of disapproval, connecting public testimony with objection.

Full entry

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