cross-examination

Noun

cross-examination (countable and uncountable, plural cross-examinations)

1. The interrogation or questioning of a witness by the party against whom they have been called and examined, in an attempt to prove or reveal something false or untold during direct examination.
   • It is impossible to bring them here for cross-examination; one simply has to conduct one's defence and argue one's case against an invisible opponent, […]1954, Plato, translated by Hugh Tredennick, “Socrates on Trial: The Apology”, in The Last Days of Socrates (Penguin Classics), Harmondsworth, Middlesex: Penguin Books, →OCLC, pages 20–21
   • When Horsley finished his testimony, Richardson began the cross-examination, which was to last for twenty-six hours over the course of an entire week.1999, Patrick J. Gallo, The American Paradox: Politics and Justice, page 62

   Synonyms:

   cross-exam, cross-questioning

2. (broadly) Any intense period of questioning, especially if hostile.