Cross-examine: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically used in legal settings when a lawyer asks questions to a witness of the opposing party to discredit their testimony or gather more information.

• The defense attorney began to cross-examine the key witness.
• She was cross-examined for over three hours in court.

A general term used in both formal and informal settings when someone wants to ask about something to gain information or clarify something.

• She questioned him about his plans for the future.
• The teacher questioned the students about the reading assignment.

Used when someone, typically law enforcement or military personnel, questions another person thoroughly, often in a forceful or aggressive way.

• The police interrogated the suspect for several hours.
• He was interrogated by the secret service.

Informally used when someone is subjected to intense questioning, often in a harsh or aggressive manner.

• The detectives grilled the suspect for hours to get a confession.
• My parents grilled me about where I had been that night.

Used in more formal or polite interactions when someone asks a question to get information, often in written form.

• She queried the database to find the relevant information.
• If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to query us.