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

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

An Argument Against Legal Extremism |Eric Posner, Robert Silver |February 17, 2009 |DAILY BEAST
Tom Ivey was back in the witness-box, and the accused was invited to cross-examine without delay.

Peccavi |E. W. Hornung
Each of these confronted by the witnesses who testified against him, and allowed to cross-examine them to any extent he desired.

Andersonville, Volume 2 |John McElroy
I will cross-examine him, whispered Lottie as she began to turn the leaves of a memorandum book which she held in her hand.

The White Rose of Memphis |William C. Falkner

Then he looked at me long and intently; and by-and-by began to cross-examine me.

The Argosy |Various
Our barristers immediately began to cross-examine, but elicited nothing of any importance.

Sheilah McLeod |Guy Boothby

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