cross-examine: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical (Legal), Journalistic
Quick answer
What does “cross-examine” mean?
To question a witness called by the other side in a legal proceeding to test or discredit their testimony.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To question a witness called by the other side in a legal proceeding to test or discredit their testimony.
To question someone thoroughly and aggressively, especially to uncover inconsistencies, verify details, or challenge their account.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: Hyphenated as 'cross-examine' is standard in both, though 'cross examine' (unhyphenated) may appear occasionally. Usage is identical in legal and metaphorical contexts.
Connotations
Identical connotations in both varieties, strongly associated with courtrooms and formal investigation.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English due to greater cultural visibility of courtroom dramas and legal proceedings in media.
Grammar
How to Use “cross-examine” in a Sentence
[Subject] cross-examine [Object (person)][Subject] cross-examine [Object (person)] about/on/concerning [Topic]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cross-examine” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The defence barrister will cross-examine the chief witness tomorrow.
- He was thoroughly cross-examined on the discrepancies in his statement.
American English
- The defense attorney plans to cross-examine the forensic expert aggressively.
- She will be cross-examined concerning her earlier deposition.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Used metaphorically for rigorous questioning in audits or due diligence: 'The investors cross-examined the CEO on the company's financial forecasts.'
Academic
Used in legal studies and social sciences when discussing research methods (e.g., interviewing techniques) or analysing textual evidence.
Everyday
Used metaphorically in informal contexts: 'My mother cross-examined me about where I'd been last night.'
Technical
Core, precise meaning in law. Refers specifically to questioning an opposing party's witness after direct examination.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cross-examine”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cross-examine”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cross-examine”
- Using it for any simple questioning (e.g., 'The teacher cross-examined the student about homework').
- Incorrect prepositions: 'cross-examine over' instead of 'cross-examine about/on'.
- Using the noun form 'cross-examination' when the verb is needed: 'He did a cross-examine' is incorrect.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Examine' is a general term for inspection or questioning. 'Cross-examine' is specific to legal contexts or adversarial situations, meaning to question a witness presented by the opposing side to challenge their testimony.
Yes, but it is a metaphorical extension. It implies a similarly rigorous, detailed, and often aggressive questioning designed to test credibility, common in journalism, politics, or intense personal scrutiny.
In law, it is the lawyer for the opposing party. For example, the defence lawyer cross-examines a witness called by the prosecution, and vice-versa.
Yes, the hyphenated form 'cross-examination' is the standard spelling for the noun, just as it is for the verb.
To question a witness called by the other side in a legal proceeding to test or discredit their testimony.
Cross-examine is usually formal, technical (legal), journalistic in register.
Cross-examine: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkrɒs ɪɡˈzæm.ɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkrɔːs ɪɡˈzæm.ɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(subject) to a cross-examination”
- “grill/cross-examine someone on the stand”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CROSSword puzzle where answers must be checked from two directions. To CROSS-EXAMINE is to check a story from the other side's perspective.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONVERSATION IS WAR / TESTIMONY IS A STRUCTURE (to be tested for weak points).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'cross-examine' used most precisely and literally?