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cross-examine

[ kraws-ig-zam-in, kros- ]
/ ˈkrɔs ɪgˈzæm ɪn, ˈkrɒs- /
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verb (used with object), cross-ex·am·ined, cross-ex·am·in·ing.

to examine by questions intended to check a previous examination; examine closely or minutely.
Law. to examine (a witness called by the opposing side), as for the purpose of discrediting the witness's testimony.

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RELATED WORDS

catechize, check, debrief, examine, grill, inquire, interrogate, investigate, pump, question, quiz, scrutinize, sweat, cross-question, third-degree

Nearby words

cross-disciplinary, cross-dissolve, cross-dress, cross-dressing, cross-examination, cross-examine, cross-eye, cross-eyed, cross-fade, cross-fertile, cross-fertilization
Compare direct-examine.

Origin of cross-examine

First recorded in 1655–65
Related formscross-ex·am·i·na·tion, nouncross-ex·am·in·er, nounun·cross-ex·am·ined, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for cross-examine

British Dictionary definitions for cross-examine

cross-examine

verb (tr)

law to examine (a witness for the opposing side), as in attempting to discredit his testimonyCompare examine-in-chief
to examine closely or relentlessly
Derived Formscross-examination, nouncross-examiner, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012