cross-examine

American  

[kraws-ig-zam-in, kros-] / ˈkrɔs ɪgˈzæm ɪn, ˈkrɒs- /

verb (used with object)

cross-examines, present (3rd person singular) cross-examined, past participle, past cross-examining present participle

1. to examine by questions intended to check a previous examination; examine closely or minutely.

2. Law. to examine (a witness called by the opposing side), as for the purpose of discrediting the witness's testimony.

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cross-examine British  

verb

1. law to examine (a witness for the opposing side), as in attempting to discredit his testimony Compare examine-in-chief

2. to examine closely or relentlessly

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• cross-examination
  noun
• uncross-examined
  adjective
• cross-examiner
  noun

Conjugated Forms

Present

• has cross-examined
  perfect 3rd person singular
• have cross-examined
  perfect
• is cross-examining
  progressive 3rd person singular
• has been cross-examining
  perfect progressive 3rd person singular
• am cross-examining
  progressive 1st person singular
• cross-examining
  participle
• cross-examines
  singular 3rd person
• are cross-examining
  progressive
• have been cross-examining
  perfect progressive

Past

• had cross-examined
  perfect
• had been cross-examining
  perfect progressive
• was cross-examining
  progressive singular
• were cross-examining
  progressive plural
• cross-examined
  simple
• cross-examined
  participle

Future

• will cross-examine
  simple
• will have cross-examined
  perfect
• will have been cross-examining
  perfect progressive
• will be cross-examining
  progressive

Etymology

Origin of cross-examine

First recorded in 1655–65

Example Sentences

When defense attorney Emil Bove got a chance to cross examine the past and present Trump Organization accountants, he focused on establishing that neither worked directly with the former president.

From Salon • May 7, 2024

Things also will likely move slowly once the case gets to trial, with each defendant’s attorneys having a chance to cross examine every witness.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 15, 2023

Ms Maxwell's defence team will cross examine Mr Alessi on Friday.

From BBC • Dec. 3, 2021

The prosecution will have the opportunity to tear the picture presented by her defense apart as soon as next week, when they cross examine her.

From Washington Post • Nov. 23, 2021

Yes—for the present," replied Grace Ferrall uncomfortably; then: "For goodness' sake, Sylvia, don't cross examine me that way!

From The Fighting Chance by Chambers, Robert W. (Robert William)