cross-examine
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.
Origin of cross-examine
1Other words from cross-examine
- cross-ex·am·i·na·tion, noun
- cross-ex·am·in·er, noun
- un·cross-ex·am·ined, adjective
- Compare direct-examine.
Words Nearby cross-examine
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use cross-examine in a sentence
The next day, in her absence and without notice to her, they called 16 witnesses, whom she could not in consequence cross-examine.
Geoffrey Robertson: Sri Lanka’s Shameful Attack on Chief Justice | Geoffrey Robertson | March 1, 2013 | THE DAILY BEASTIn 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 | THE DAILY BEASTHe was quite free to cross-examine Mazaroff without the latter being in the least suspicious.
The Weight of the Crown | Fred M. WhiteThe Hepburn attorney was then given an opportunity to cross-examine the police witnesses.
Uncle Sam's Boys as Lieutenants | H. Irving HancockThen a shady lawyer engaged by the Hepburns undertook to cross-examine the young lieutenant.
Uncle Sam's Boys as Lieutenants | H. Irving Hancock
His mother, the next morning, casually began to cross-examine him concerning his sudden friendship for the girl.
Mountain | Clement WoodNow Morella's advocate rose to cross-examine, asking him who had made the arrangements for the marriage.
Fair Margaret | H. Rider Haggard
British Dictionary definitions for 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
Derived forms of cross-examine
- cross-examination, noun
- cross-examiner, noun
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
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