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cross
The term carries a duality of movement and intersection. In a spatial sense, it implies a transition or a breach of a boundary, suggesting a shift from one state or location to another. This physical act of crossing often serves as the foundation for its more confrontational meanings.
When applied to human interaction, the word shifts toward conflict. To cross someone is to place oneself as a barrier or an obstacle in their path, creating a clash of wills. This evokes a feeling of defiance or betrayal, moving the word from a neutral description of travel to a charged social interaction.
Countable when referring to the physical object or symbol (a cross). Uncountable when referring to the act of crossing in a general sense.
Meanings
Examples
Phrasal Verbs
cross over
to move from one place, side, or state to another
The refugees crossed over the border into the neighboring country.
cross out
to draw a line through something written to erase or ignore it
Please cross out any mistakes in your draft before submitting it.
cross off
to remove an item from a list by drawing a line through it
I love the feeling of crossing off tasks from my to-do list.