cross-examine

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

/ ˈkrɔs ɪgˈzæm ɪn, ˈkrɒs- /

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.

Compare direct-examine.

Origin of cross-examine

First recorded in 1655–65

cross-ex·am·i·na·tion, noun cross-ex·am·in·er, noun un·cross-ex·am·ined, adjective

If the witness did in fact witness such a terrible crime, the testimony will survive in the crucible of cross-examination.

There’s No Conspiracy in Ferguson’s Secret Jury |Paul Callan |November 17, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
Olson praises Boies as “better at cross-examination than any trial lawyer I have ever seen.”

How the Tide Turned on Gay Marriage |Michael Signer |June 20, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
Cross-examination is to ask questions, not to make declarative statements to test the story told on direct examination.

Pistorius’s Cross-Examination Could Have Been Grounds for a Mistrial in a U.S. Court |James D. Zirin |May 5, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
The cardinal rule of cross-examination is that the examiner must not make statements or make speeches.

Pistorius’s Cross-Examination Could Have Been Grounds for a Mistrial in a U.S. Court |James D. Zirin |May 5, 2014 |DAILY BEAST

Later in cross-examination, Stander admitted that he had been following snippets of the trial via newspaper and on television.

Witness: Pistorius Suicidal After Shooting Reeva |Kelly Berold |May 5, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
The severe tests of cross-examination usually elicit the truth.

Library of the World's Best Literature, Ancient and Modern, Vol. 9 |Various
Definitions of νόμος are here given by the Companion, who undergoes a cross-examination upon them.

Plato and the Other Companions of Sokrates, 3rd ed. Volume II (of 4) |George Grote
His father broke in again, "It might save a few hours of dodging and cross-examination if you'd tell us who and what she is."

We Can't Have Everything |Rupert Hughes
In the case of some important witnesses, she prepared the briefs for cross-examination, as well as examination.

The Life of Florence Nightingale vol. 1 of 2 |Edward Tyas Cook
His leading characteristic when at the Bar, was his marvellous skill in cross-examination.

The Art of Cross-Examination |Francis L. Wellman

cross-examine

law to examine (a witness for the opposing side), as in attempting to discredit his testimony Compare examine-in-chief

to examine closely or relentlessly

cross-examination, noun cross-examiner, noun