definitions

cross-examine

[ kraws-ig-zam-in, kros- ]
/ ˈkrɔs ɪgˈzæm ɪn, ˈkrɒs- /
|
SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR cross-examine ON THESAURUS.COM

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.

RELATED CONTENT

✝️ - Latin Cross Emoji - Emoji by Dictionary.comRead more in this article about some frequently asked questions and fun facts related to our definitions.
READ MORE
ATW: What Does ❌ - Cross Mark Emoji Mean? | Emoji by Dictionary.comRead more in this article about some frequently asked questions and fun facts related to our definitions.
READ MORE

RELATED WORDS

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

Nearby words

cross-dating, cross-disciplinary, cross-dissolve, cross-dress, cross-dressing, 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 forms

cross-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 Forms

cross-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