Definition

1. Verb (transitive):
   • To question a witness, especially in a court of law, after they have been questioned by the opposing side, in order to test the truth or completeness of their testimony.
   • To question someone closely, thoroughly, and often aggressively.

Usage

• The verb "cross-examine" is used primarily in legal contexts but can be applied more broadly to mean rigorous questioning.
• It is often used in the passive voice (e.g., ).
• It typically takes a direct object (the person being questioned).

Examples

• Legal Context:
  • The defense attorney will cross-examine the prosecution's key witness tomorrow.
  • During the trial, the witness was cross-examined for over two hours.
• General Context (rigorous questioning):
  • The journalist cross-examined the politician about the inconsistencies in his statement.
  • My parents cross-examined me when I came home late.

Advanced Usage

• "To cross-examine someone on something": To question someone specifically and in detail about a particular point or subject.
  • The lawyer cross-examined the expert on the technical details of the report.

Variants and Related Words

• Cross-examination (noun): The act or process of cross-examining.
  • The cross-examination revealed new facts.
• Cross-examiner (noun): A person who cross-examines.
  • The cross-examiner was very skilled.

Synonyms

• Interrogate: To ask questions formally and systematically.
• Grill (informal): To question intensely.
• Quiz: To question closely.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Constructions

(This word does not commonly form phrasal verbs. Its meaning is contained in the single verb form.)

Related Idioms

(There are no common idioms that use the exact term "cross-examine." The word itself carries the idiomatic meaning of intense, opposing questioning.)

Verb

1. question closely, or question a witness that has already been questioned by the opposing side
   • The witness was cross-examined by the defense