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
Popularly known as lie detector tests, polygraphs monitor bodily responses such as blood pressure, changes in a person’s breathing, and sweating on the palms.
—
Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 29 Apr. 2025
There were travel restrictions to prevent leaks, and even discussions about subjecting employees to lie detector tests.
—Sheon Han, Wired News, 27 Mar. 2025
In late March, Hegseth's chief of staff, Joe Kasper, issued a memo warning that those suspected of disclosing sensitive information could be subject to lie detector tests.
—Tom Vanden Brook, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2025
At the Homeland Security Department, Secretary Kristi Noem pledged this month to step up lie detector tests on employees in an effort to identify those who may be leaking information about operations to the media.
—Tara Copp, Los Angeles Times, 22 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lie detector
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 29 Apr. 2025
There were travel restrictions to prevent leaks, and even discussions about subjecting employees to lie detector tests.
—Sheon Han, Wired News, 27 Mar. 2025
In late March, Hegseth's chief of staff, Joe Kasper, issued a memo warning that those suspected of disclosing sensitive information could be subject to lie detector tests.
—Tom Vanden Brook, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2025
At the Homeland Security Department, Secretary Kristi Noem pledged this month to step up lie detector tests on employees in an effort to identify those who may be leaking information about operations to the media.
—Tara Copp, Los Angeles Times, 22 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lie detector
Cite this Entry
“Lie detector.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lie%20detector. Accessed 6 May. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
lie detector
noun
: a polygraph for detecting physiological evidence (as change in heart rate) of the tension that accompanies lying
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share