lie detector
noun
: a polygraph for detecting physiological evidence (such as change in heart rate) of the tension that accompanies lying
Examples of lie detector in a Sentence
The murder suspect failed a lie detector test.
hooked the suspect up to a lie detector before interrogating him about the robbery
Recent Examples on the Web
From vast biometric data collected without consent in refugee camps, to algorithms replacing visa officers and making discriminatory decisions, to AI lie detectors used at borders, the roll out of unregulated technologies is ever-growing.
—Petra Molnar, TIME, 21 May 2024
Enter Kohler, who commissioned a lie detector test that Sutton passed.
—Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2024
Before the performance and interview, the show began with the superstar undergoing a playful lie detector test.
—Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 26 Mar. 2024
But things were far more complicated for contestants, who agreed to take a lie detector test and answer a series of increasingly personal questions.
—EW.com, 15 Feb. 2024
In a new special on A&E, both of Casey's parents — mother Cindy and father George — take lie detector tests on camera and reflect on the death of their granddaughter Caylee.
—Brenton Blanchet, Peoplemag, 4 Jan. 2024
Cindy and George took lie detector tests in a documentary telling their side of the story
Cindy and George sat down to take a filmed lie detector test airing in January 2024.
—Rebecca Aizin, Peoplemag, 5 Jan. 2024
Radcliffe revealed some secrets while taking part in a lie detector test for 'Vanity Fair'
Daniel Radcliffe is revealing some secrets!
—Gabrielle Rockson, Peoplemag, 18 Oct. 2023
The trailer starts off showing Bomer’s character Hawkins Fuller, who works behind the scenes in politics, being interrogated by government officials and taking a lie detector test about his personal life and affiliations.
—Kimberlee Speakman, Peoplemag, 3 Oct. 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lie detector.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1909, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near lie detector
Cite this Entry
“Lie detector.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lie%20detector. Accessed 17 Jun. 2024.
Kids Definition
lie detector
noun
: an instrument for detecting bodily changes (as an increase in heart rate) that are considered to go along with lying
Medical Definition
lie detector
noun
: a polygraph for detecting physiological evidence (as change in heart rate) of the tension that accompanies lying
Legal Definition
lie detector
noun
lie de·tec·tor
: an instrument for detecting physiological evidence of the tension that accompanies lying compare polygraph
More from Merriam-Webster on lie detector
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lie detector
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