lie detector

lie detector

noun

Definition of LIE DETECTOR

: a polygraph for detecting physiological evidence (as change in heart rate) of the tension that accompanies lying

Examples of LIE DETECTOR

1. The murder suspect failed a lie detector test.
2. <hooked the suspect up to a lie detector before interrogating him about the robbery>

First Known Use of LIE DETECTOR

1909

Related to LIE DETECTOR

Synonyms

polygraph

Rhymes with LIE DETECTOR

smoke detector, stage director, vivisector

lie detector

noun \ˈlī-di-ˌtek-tər\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of LIE DETECTOR

: a polygraph for detecting physiological evidence (as change in heart rate) of the tension that accompanies lying

lie detector

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Instrument for recording physiological phenomena (including blood pressure, pulse rate, and respiration) of a human subject as he or she answers questions asked by an operator. These data (recorded as graphs) are used as the basis for judging whether the subject is lying. The phenomena usually chosen for recording are those not easily controlled voluntarily. The types of questions asked, their wording, and the mode of presentation have a tremendous effect on the results and their reliability. Used in police interrogation and investigation since 1924, the lie detector is still controversial among psychologists and not always accepted as evidence in courts.

Variants of LIE DETECTOR

lie detector or polygraph