Cross-examine Definition & Meaning

American

British

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Examples

Synonyms cross-examine American [kraws-ig-zam-in, kros-] / ˈkrɔs ɪgˈzæm ɪn, ˈkrɒs- /

verb (used with object)

cross-examined, cross-examining

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 British

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

"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

Other Word Forms

• cross-examination noun
• cross-examiner noun
• uncross-examined adjective

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.

The victims' lawyers have said it will be the first time Adams will be cross-examined in an English court about his alleged leadership role in the IRA.

From BBC

Ruemmler told the Journal that she never drafted a letter, represented Epstein or was asked to cross-examine victims.

From The Wall Street Journal

“They obviously are cross-examined, and they’ll frequently be accused of ... lying for their own self-interest,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

She did not want to be cross-examined on the letter, so the charges were dropped.

From BBC

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

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.