witness protection

noun

UK /ˈwɪtnəs prəˈtɛkʃən/

US /ˈwɪtnəs prəˈtɛkʃən/

Witness protection is when police keep someone safe because they saw a crime and will tell about it.

The scared man and his family were put in witness protection after he testified against the gang.

SYNONYMS

protective custody safe house program police protection witness security

RELATED WORDS

testimony informant safe house trial crime

OTHER MEANINGS

2. A government program that gives a witness a new name and a new home so bad people cannot find them.

Under witness protection, she moved to a new town with a new identity.

3. The act of guarding someone who is going to speak in court.

The officers provided witness protection around the clock before the hearing.

4. Help and safety given to someone who reports a crime.

Without witness protection, few people would agree to testify.