cross-examine
KROSS-ig-zam-in
/ˌkrɑːs.ɪɡˈzæm.ɪn/
To question a witness called by the opposing party in a trial to test or discredit their testimony.
Cross-examination involves probing and hostile questioning designed to expose flaws in prior testimony.
The story behind the word. Combines 'cross' (across party lines) with 'examine' (from Latin examen, the tongue of a balance). Cross-examination literally weighs evidence across opposing sides.
Word relationships
- interrogate: Interrogate usually refers to police questioning suspects prior to trial.
- grill: Grill is an informal metaphor for intense questioning.
Commonly confused with
- direct-examine: Direct examination is questioning your own witness; cross-examine is questioning the opponent's witness.
Word family
- cross-examination (noun): The formal questioning of a witness called by the opposing party.
Collocations
- cross-examine a witness
- rigorous cross-examine
- right to cross-examine
Example sentences
- "Defense counsel prepared meticulously to cross-examine the prosecution's star witness." Trial Proceedings
- "During the attempt to cross-examine the officer, key contradictions came to light." Courtroom Drama
Memory hook
Question ACROSS party lines = CROSS-examine. Question opponent's witness = Cross-examine.
When not to use
Do not use to describe questioning your own witness (that is direct examination).
Fun facts
- In many jurisdictions, leading questions (questions that suggest their own answer) are permitted only during cross-examination.
Explore more words
impeach, scrutinize, contradict, double-cross, discredit, confrontation
Also appears in
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