cross-examine

The lawyer cross-examines the witness in the courtroom.

Definition

1. Verb:
   • To question (a witness) already called by the opposing side in a legal proceeding: In law, "cross-examine" refers to the process of interrogating a witness who has already given testimony during direct examination, typically to challenge or clarify their statements.
   • To question (someone) closely or aggressively: More broadly, "cross-examine" can mean to interrogate someone in a detailed, often confrontational manner, similar to legal questioning.

Usage Examples

• Legal context:
  • The defense attorney will cross-examine the prosecution's key witness tomorrow. (The lawyer will question the witness already questioned by the other side.)
  • During the trial, the judge allowed the lawyer to cross-examine the expert. (The lawyer was permitted to interrogate the witness about their testimony.)
• General context:
  • My mother began to cross-examine me about where I had been all night. (She questioned me closely and persistently.)
  • The journalist cross-examined the politician about the scandal. (The journalist interrogated the politician with detailed questions.)

Advanced Usage

• "to cross-examine a witness": the standard legal phrase.

  • The prosecutor will cross-examine the alibi witness to test their credibility. (The prosecutor will question the witness to verify their story.)

• "to cross-examine oneself": to reflect on one's own actions or thoughts critically (rare, figurative).

  • After the argument, he cross-examined himself to understand his mistakes. (He analyzed his own behavior closely.)

Variants and Related Words

• Cross-examination (n): the act or process of cross-examining.
  • The cross-examination lasted for two hours. (The questioning period was lengthy.)
• Cross-examiner (n): a person who cross-examines, especially a lawyer.
  • The cross-examiner was skilled at exposing inconsistencies. (The lawyer was adept at questioning.)

Synonyms

• Interrogate: to ask questions of someone in a formal or aggressive way.
• Grill: to question someone intensively and persistently (informal).
• Quiz: to ask someone questions, often to test knowledge.

Related Idioms

• Put someone through the wringer: to subject someone to a difficult, stressful experience, often involving intense questioning.
  • The police put the suspect through the wringer during the interrogation. (They questioned him harshly.)
• Give someone the third degree: to question someone thoroughly and aggressively.
  • My dad gave me the third degree when I came home late. (He cross-examined me about my whereabouts.)