cross

noun

1》 a mark, object, or figure formed by two short intersecting lines or pieces (+ or ×).

2》 an upright post with a transverse bar, as used in antiquity for crucifixion.

    ↘(the Cross) the cross on which Christ was crucified.

3》 a thing that is unavoidable and has to be endured: she's just a cross we have to bear.

4》 a cross-shaped decoration awarded for personal valour or indicating rank in some orders of knighthood.

5》 an animal or plant resulting from cross-breeding; a hybrid.

    ↘(a cross between) a mixture or compromise of two things.

6》 (in soccer) a pass of the ball across the field towards the centre close to one's opponents' goal.

7》 (in boxing) a blow given with a crosswise movement of the fist.

verb

1》 go or extend across or to the other side of (a path, obstacle, or area).

    ↘(cross over) (of an artist) begin to appeal to a wider audience.

2》 pass in an opposite or different direction; intersect.

    ↘place crosswise: Michele crossed her arms.

3》 draw a line or lines across; mark with a cross.

    ↘Brit. mark or annotate (a cheque), typically with a pair of parallel lines, to indicate that it must be paid into a named bank account.

    ↘(cross something off) delete an item on a list.

    ↘(cross something out/through) delete a word or phrase by drawing a line through it.

4》 (cross oneself) make the sign of the cross in front of one's chest as a sign of Christian reverence or to invoke divine protection.

5》 Soccer pass (the ball) across the field towards the centre when attacking.

6》 cause (an animal of one species, breed, or variety) to interbreed with one of another.

    ↘cross-fertilize (a plant).

7》 oppose or stand in the way of.

adjective annoyed.

Phrases

at cross purposes misunderstanding or having different aims from one another.

cross one's fingers put one finger across another as a sign of hoping for good luck.

cross the floor Brit. join the opposing side in Parliament.

cross my heart (and hope to die) used to emphasize the truthfulness and sincerity of what one is saying.

cross someone's palm with silver often humorous pay someone for a favour or service, especially having one's fortune told.

cross swords have an argument or dispute.

crossed line a telephone connection that has been wrongly made with the result that another call can be heard.

get one's wires (or lines) crossed have a misunderstanding.

Derivatives

crosser noun

crossly adverb

crossness noun

Origin

OE: from ON kross, from Old Ir. cros, from L. crux.