cross-examination
UK: /ˌkrɒs ɪɡˌzæmɪˈneɪʃən/ | US: /ˌkrɔːs ɪɡˌzæmɪˈneɪʃən/
n. The formal questioning of a witness by the opposing party in a court of law to challenge or test their testimony.
n. A rigorous or detailed questioning process, often to verify facts or uncover inconsistencies.
cross-examination = cross<opposing> + examination<scrutiny>
- cross (from Old English cros, via Old Norse kross, meaning "opposing" or "intersecting")
- examination (from Latin examinare "to weigh or test," via Old French examiner, meaning "scrutiny")
Etymology Origin:
The term cross-examination emerged in legal contexts during the 16th century, combining "cross" (suggesting opposition or adversarial intent) with "examination" (a formal test of evidence). The word reflects the adversarial nature of courtroom questioning, where one party challenges the other's testimony to reveal truth or inconsistency.
The defense attorney’s cross-examination revealed gaps in the witness’s story.
During the trial, the prosecutor conducted a thorough cross-examination of the expert witness.
The journalist faced a harsh cross-examination about her sources.
Cross-examination is a critical tool for testing the credibility of testimony.
His answers under cross-examination weakened the case against the defendant.