cross-examine

[ kraws-ig-zam-in, kros- ]

verb (used with object)

, cross-ex·am·ined, cross-ex·am·in·ing.

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.

cross-examine

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

Derived Forms

• ˌcross-exˈaminer, noun
• ˈcross-exˌamiˈnation, noun

Other Words From

• cross-ex·ami·nation noun
• cross-ex·amin·er noun
• uncross-ex·amined adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of cross-examine¹

First recorded in 1655–65

Example Sentences

The next day, in her absence and without notice to her, they called 16 witnesses, whom she could not in consequence cross-examine.

From The Daily Beast

In the classroom and at work, people speak and write as if a hostile lawyer were about to cross-examine them.

From The Daily Beast

He was quite free to cross-examine Mazaroff without the latter being in the least suspicious.

From Project Gutenberg

The Hepburn attorney was then given an opportunity to cross-examine the police witnesses.

From Project Gutenberg

Then a shady lawyer engaged by the Hepburns undertook to cross-examine the young lieutenant.

From Project Gutenberg

His mother, the next morning, casually began to cross-examine him concerning his sudden friendship for the girl.

From Project Gutenberg

Now Morella's advocate rose to cross-examine, asking him who had made the arrangements for the marriage.

From Project Gutenberg