lie detector

noun

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

Synonyms

• polygraph

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

James also described being required to take lie detector tests twice when Combs was trying to learn who stole cash and a watch. —Michael R. Sisak, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2025

James testified that he was forced to take two lie detector tests during his time working for Combs. —Bethany Brown, People.com, 20 May 2025

Beatrix is forcing Charlie to drive her to a safe house, where the human lie detector will use her special talent to sniff out … whichever rodent term is appropriate here. —Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 8 May 2025

Most psychologists agree that there is little evidence that polygraphs can accurately detect lies, according to the American Psychological Association, which has recommended against using lie detector tests in investigations. —Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 29 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for lie detector

• eigenvector
• bisector
• collector
• connector
• corrector
• defector
• deflector
• director
• dissector
• effector
• ejector
• elector

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

ˈlī-di-ˌtek-tər 

: 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