cross
cross
Pronunciation
cross: /krɒs/
/krɒs/
/k/ (voiceless velar stop)
/r/ (voiced alveolar approximant)
/ɒ/ (open back rounded vowel)
/s/ (voiceless alveolar fricative)
Word Form Variations
Singular Noun: cross
Plural Noun: crosses
Verb (base form): cross
Verb (third-person singular present): crosses
Verb (present participle): crossing
Verb (past tense/past participle): crossed
Adjective: cross (less common as a standalone adjective, often part of compound adjectives like "cross-eyed" or "cross-sectional")
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
A mark or figure formed by two intersecting lines or bars, typically at right angles.
Synonyms: intersection, 'X' mark, plus sign
Antonyms: curve, circle
A structure or symbol consisting of an upright post with a transverse bar, especially as a symbol of Christianity.
Synonyms: crucifix, rood, emblem
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms for a religious symbol)
An act of going from one side to another, or a place where two paths or areas intersect.
Synonyms: intersection, junction, crossing
Antonyms: straight, parallel (in terms of paths)
A mixture or hybrid of two different breeds, species, or types.
Synonyms: hybrid, blend, mix
Antonyms: purebred, unmixed
Verb
To move from one side to the other of something.
Synonyms: traverse, go across, pass over
Antonyms: stay, remain, retreat
To draw a line or lines across something.
Synonyms: intersect, mark, bisect
Antonyms: erase, unmark
To oppose or obstruct (a plan, person, or intention).
Synonyms: thwart, frustrate, impede
Antonyms: support, aid, assist
To cause (an animal or plant) to interbreed, or to interbreed (two different types).
Synonyms: hybridize, interbreed, mix
Antonyms: purebreed, separate
Adjective
Feeling or showing ill humor; annoyed. (Less common in modern usage, but still valid)
Synonyms: irritable, grumpy, peevish
Antonyms: cheerful, happy, pleasant
Lying or extending across something; transverse. (Often used in compound adjectives)
Synonyms: transverse, perpendicular, intersecting
Antonyms: parallel, aligned
Examples of Use
Books:
"He knew he had to cross the river before nightfall, or risk being caught in the open by the bandits." (From The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson, January 2010)
"The old woman made the sign of the cross before entering the ancient church, a habit she had maintained since childhood." (From The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco, October 1980)
Newspapers:
"Traffic on the bridge was brought to a standstill as emergency services responded to a multi-vehicle collision, urging commuters to find alternative routes to cross the city." (As seen in The Guardian)
"The recent by-election saw a significant cross-section of the electorate turn out, indicating strong public engagement with the political process." (The New York Times)
Online Publications:
"Scientists are attempting to cross different varieties of drought-resistant crops to create a more resilient food source for arid regions." (As reported on BBC News Online)
"The article explored the ethical dilemmas that cross the boundaries of scientific research and public welfare." (From Scientific American online)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: In the movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Indiana Jones must solve a puzzle involving a series of steps that require him to "cross" a chasm by stepping on specific letters. (May 1989)
Television Series: "Don't cross me, or you'll regret it," a common line delivered by a powerful antagonist in many crime dramas, such as Breaking Bad. (January 2008)
Video Games: In Elden Ring, players frequently encounter messages left by other players, some of which advise on how to "cross" a difficult boss arena or avoid a trap. (February 2022)
Music: The song "Take Me to Church" by Hozier includes the lyric, "My lover's got that look so purely, as if the heavens had been crossed," alluding to something sacred or profound. (September 2013)
General Public Discourse:
"Are you sure you want to cross that line with your boss? It might not end well." (Heard in a casual conversation between colleagues)
"We had to cross off several items from our shopping list because they were out of stock." (Spoken during a family discussion about groceries)
"The company is facing a cross-cultural communication challenge with its new international team." (Discussed in a business meeting)
10 Quotes Using Cross
"You can't cross the sea merely by standing and staring at the water." (Rabindranath Tagore)
"The hardest thing in life to learn is which bridge to cross and which to burn." (David Russell)
"Don't be afraid to take a big step if one is indicated. You can't cross a chasm in two small jumps." (David Lloyd George)
"I have noticed even people who claim everything is predestined, and that we can do nothing to change it, look before they cross the road." (Stephen Hawking)
"What can we gain by sailing to the moon if we are not able to cross the abyss that separates us from ourselves?" (Thomas Merton)
"True teachers use themselves as bridges over which they invite their students to cross; then, having facilitated their crossing, joyfully collapse, encouraging them to create bridges of their own." (Nikos Kazantzakis)
"A citizen of America will cross the ocean to fight for democracy, but won't cross the street to vote in a national election." (Bill Vaughan)
"If you simply put your faith in Jesus coming down in flesh, through a human being, God becoming flesh living on the earth, dying on the cross for the sins of the world, being buried, and being raised from the dead - yours and mine and everybody else's problems will be solved." (Phil Robertson)
"The cross shows the seriousness of our sin—but it also shows us the immeasurable love of God." (Billy Graham)
"Apart from the cross there is no other ladder by which we may get to heaven." (Saint Rose of Lima)
Etymology
The word "cross" has a rich history, and its meaning has evolved over time. At its very root, "cross" comes from the Latin word "crux," which meant a "stake" or a "gallows." This refers to an upright pole, often with a horizontal bar, used for punishments, particularly crucifixion.
The first known use of "cross" in English (specifically Old English, around the 11th century) was directly related to this Latin origin: it referred to the actual instrument of Christ's crucifixion and, by extension, the symbol of Christianity. Before "cross" became common, the native Old English word for this structure was "rood."
Over time, the word "cross" was influenced by other languages, especially Old Norse ("kross") and Old Irish ("cros"), both of which also derived from the Latin "crux."
While its initial meaning was very much tied to the religious symbol and the act of crucifixion, the word began to broaden its meaning. By the late 14th century, "cross" started to describe any figure made of two intersecting lines, regardless of religious significance. Later, in the 15th century, the verb "to cross" developed the more general meaning of "to intersect" or "to go from one side to another."
So, in simple terms, "cross" started out referring to a specific wooden structure used for executions, then became a powerful religious symbol, and eventually expanded to mean any intersecting lines or the act of moving across something.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Cross
Cross one's mind: To occur to one's thoughts.
Cross one's fingers: To hope for good luck.
Cross the line: To go beyond an acceptable limit or boundary.
Cross paths: To meet someone, often unexpectedly.
Cross out: To draw a line through something to indicate it is incorrect or removed.
Cross something off (a list): To mark an item as completed or no longer needed.
Cross to bear: A burden or difficulty that one must endure.
Cross purposes: When two or more people are working at odds with each other, unknowingly or knowingly.
Cross-examine: To question a witness called by the opposing side in a legal case.
Cross my heart (and hope to die): An emphatic promise or vow.
Cross swords (with someone): To argue or disagree with someone.
Double-cross: To betray someone after making an agreement or promise.
Get one's wires crossed: To misunderstand something or someone.
Cross that bridge when we come to it: To deal with a problem only when it actually arises.
As cross as two sticks: Very angry or ill-tempered.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of cross from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
