cross-examination vs questioning

cross-examination

noun
  • 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. 

  • Any intense period of questioning, especially if hostile. 

questioning

noun
  • Interrogation. 

  • The action of asking questions; a survey; an inquiry. 

  • The act of challenging, wondering, and doubting. 

adj
  • Unsure of one's sexual orientation and/or gender identity. 

  • Characterized by questions, inquisitiveness, doubt, or wonder. 

How often have the words cross-examination and questioning occurred in a corpus of books? (source: Google Ngram Viewer )