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.
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
Earlier Wednesday, the defense got a chance to cross examine a state agent who examined a blue rain jacket and other items for gunshot residue.
From Seattle Times • Feb. 8, 2023
Further reviews would be carried out to "cross examine what we have had reported to us with direct reports from customers and wider stakeholders, and potentially those involved in delivery of services."
From BBC • Feb. 4, 2023
At any adjudicatory hearing, witnesses would be subject to exhaustive questioning by committee members and committee counsel; counsel for Moore would have a full opportunity to cross examine each witness.
From Washington Post • Dec. 11, 2017
We'll take a ten minute recess and when we come back, Trenchant may cross examine Dr. Stone.
From Wild Justice by Sprague, Ruth M.
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.
