- knowingly state as fact that which is untrue; begin or perpetuate a rumor by lying about a person, thing, or event: They collaborated to bear false witness against the innocent financial officer, which effectively ended his career.
- knowingly give untrue testimony, as in a court of law; commit perjury:When she bore false witness on the stand by lying about seeing Jones at the crime scene, did she not realize what the penalty for perjury is?
