cross-examine
Americanverb (used with object)
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to examine by questions intended to check a previous examination; examine closely or minutely.
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Law. to examine (a witness called by the opposing side), as for the purpose of discrediting the witness's testimony.
verb
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law to examine (a witness for the opposing side), as in attempting to discredit his testimony Compare examine-in-chief
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to examine closely or relentlessly
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Conjugated Forms
Present
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has cross-examinedperfect 3rd person singular
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have cross-examinedperfect
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is cross-examiningprogressive 3rd person singular
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has been cross-examiningperfect progressive 3rd person singular
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am cross-examiningprogressive 1st person singular
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cross-examiningparticiple
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cross-examinessingular 3rd person
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are cross-examiningprogressive
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have been cross-examiningperfect progressive
Past
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had cross-examinedperfect
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was cross-examiningprogressive singular
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had been cross-examiningperfect progressive
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were cross-examiningprogressive plural
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cross-examinedsimple
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cross-examinedparticiple
Future
Etymology
Origin of cross-examine
First recorded in 1655–65
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Ruemmler told the Journal that she never drafted a letter, represented Epstein or was asked to cross-examine victims.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 20, 2026
They’ve got one cooperator, but you can cross-examine the cooperator, who’s cooperating in hopes of a more lenient sentence.
From Slate • Jan. 7, 2026
Skaggs’ lawyers, however, pointed out that the defense has taken longer to cross-examine witnesses than it took them to conduct the direct examinations.
From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 25, 2025
“As laid out by Jack Smith in his report, the evidence here seems very strong, but, of course, a defendant would have an opportunity to cross-examine every witness and present his own defense,” McQuade said.
From Salon • Jan. 14, 2025
Nels Gudmundsson now tottered to his feet in order to cross-examine Sterling Whitman.
From "Snow Falling on Cedars: A Novel" by David Guterson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
