verify

/ˌvɛrəˈfaɪ/

/ˈvɛrɪfaɪ/

Other forms: verified; verifying; verifies

When you verify something, you show that it's true. Do you have a photograph to verify your claim that there's a dinosaur in your backyard?

Physical evidence and records are often used to verify what's happened. Your receipt verifies that you purchased the tall, striped hat you'd now like to return. You can also verify something verbally. Can you verify that your cat was home all evening on the night of the canary's "accident"?

Definitions of verify

1. verb

   confirm the truth of
   “Please verify that the doors are closed”

   “verify a claim”

   types:

   check, check off, mark, mark off, tick, tick off

   put a check mark on or near or next to

   ascertain, assure, check, control, ensure, insure, see, see to it

   be careful or certain to do something; make certain of something

   check

   verify by consulting a source or authority

   proof, proofread

   read for errors

   receipt

   mark or stamp as paid

   control

   verify by using a duplicate register for comparison

   double-check

   check once more to be absolutely sure

   cross-check

   check out conflicting sources; crosscheck facts, for example

   cinch

   make sure of

   card

   ask someone for identification to determine whether he or she is old enough to consume liquor

   spot-check

   pick out random samples for examination in order to ensure high quality

   cover

   maintain a check on; especially by patrolling

   type of:

   affirm, confirm, corroborate, substantiate, support, sustain

   establish or strengthen as with new evidence or facts
2. verb

   declare or affirm solemnly and formally as true
   synonyms: affirm, assert, aver, avow, swan, swear

   types:

   hold

   assert or affirm

   claim, take

   lay claim to; as of an idea

   attest

   authenticate; affirm to be true, genuine, or correct, as in an official capacity

   declare

   state firmly

   protest

   affirm or avow formally or solemnly

   assure, tell

   inform positively and with certainty and confidence

   type of:

   declare

   state emphatically and authoritatively
3. verb

   check or regulate (a scientific experiment) by conducting a parallel experiment or comparing with another standard
   synonyms: control

   ascertain, assure, check, control, ensure, insure, see, see to it

   be careful or certain to do something; make certain of something

   type of:

   essay, examine, prove, test, try, try out

   put to the test, as for its quality, or give experimental use to
4. verb

   attach or append a legal verification to (a pleading or petition)
   type of:

   confirm, reassert

   strengthen or make more firm