appear before (someone or something)

1. To participate in legal proceedings. I'm so nervous to appear before the judge today. Have you ever had to appear before a jury? Every lawyer is nervous when they have to appear before a judge for the first time, but I know you'll do a great job.

2. To suddenly become visible to someone. I had to slam on my brakes when that pedestrian just appeared before me. Did you see where this cat came from? He just appeared before me on the sidewalk! It was when a sparkly genie suddenly appeared before me that I knew I was dreaming.

3. To arrive early for something. I am locking that door at exactly 10:01, so I suggest you appear before the exam starts. I'm stuck in traffic, so I won't appear before dinner, I'm afraid. Please appear before the curtain goes up, OK? I would hate for you to miss the beginning of the play.

appear before someone

1. to show up in the presence of someone, suddenly. The deer appeared before us with no sound or other warning. A frightful specter appeared before me.

2. to have a trial or hearing with a particular judge or court. You have to appear before Judge Cahill tomorrow. Have you ever appeared before the Supreme Court?

appear before something

to arrive in advance of the appointed time or before some event. Please appear at least ten minutes before you are due. It is best to appear shortly before the time of your interview.

See also: appear, before

See also:

References in classic literature

Philippe gave orders that for his petit lever the grandes entrees , already prepared to appear before the king, should be introduced.

View in context

ISLAMABAD -- Hours after an announcement on Saturday that former president retired Gen Pervez Musharraf will appear before a special court on May 2, it was learnt that he might not return to Pakistan because of his medical board's recommendation and family pressure not to do so.

Musharraf unlikely to return to Pakistan

Abbasi in written letter to NAB has said that he is outside the country therefore he cannot appear before NAB on Thursday.

Shahid Khaqan Abbasi excuses for appearing before NAB

Agriculture CS Mwangi Kiunjuri now risks being censured after he failed for the fourth time to appear before a Parliamentary committee.

Kiunjuri snubs committee for the fourth time

Speaking to the media outside the court, Gilani said, 'I have appeared before the NAB court several times before and more premiers will appear before it now.'

Court to hear NAB reference against Gilani after wrapping up Nawaz's cases

Chinese Company's counsel stated that the chairman needs some time to appear before the commission as according to him, chairman is occupied with some matters which are not known to the counsel.

SEC chairman summoned

Besides Hamza, Chief Minister Punjab, Shehbaz Sharif has also been asked to appear before the NAB on June 4, in the same case.

PSPC corruption case: Hamza Shahbaz appears before NAB

'if SC has summoned him he will appear before it at every cost.

Shahbaz Sharif decides to appear in SC

The force is naming all those charged during the four-week festive period, and who are set to appear before the courts.

Latest motorists charged with drink-drinking named by cops

ISLAMABAD -- Attorney General (AG) Irfan Qadir has said avoidance on part of registrar Supreme Court (SC) to appear before Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is incomprehensible.

SC registrar avoidance to appear before PAC incomprehensible: AG

Due to appear before magistrates on Feb 24 charged with being drunk and disorderly.

Fifteen fans arrested and charged with variety of offences after battles in the street

"What's exciting about this work is that these particles appear before cholesterol accumulates as deposits in cells of the artery wall," Kruth says.

Newest cholesterol carriers isolated

EC had directed NA-53 candidates including Imran Khan, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and former PTI MNA, Ayesha Gulalai to appear before it in person on Monday.

Imran Khan, his counsel not appeared before RO in connection with scrutiny of nomination papers

LAHORE -- The National Accountability Bureau (NAB), once again, summoned Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president Shahbaz Sharif to its office on June 25, after he failed to appear before NAB on Monday to answer questions about the Punjab Saaf Pani Company scam.

Shahbaz chooses to ignore NAB hearing in Saaf Pani case

A source in the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Tuesday told The Nation that Khawaja Saad had been asked to appear on Wednesday (today) while his brother Salman Rafique will have to appear before NAB tomorrow (Thursday).

Saad to appear before NAB today