lie detector

American  

noun

1. a polygraph used to determine changes in certain body activities, as blood pressure, pulse, breathing, and perspiration, the results of which may be interpreted to indicate the truth or falsity of a person's answers under questioning.

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lie detector British  

noun

1. a polygraph used esp by a police interrogator to detect false or devious answers to questions, a sudden change in one or more involuntary physiological responses being considered a manifestation of guilt, fear, etc See polygraph galvanic skin response

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Etymology

Origin of lie detector

An Americanism dating back to 1905–10

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

lie detector

Rhino poaching almost doubled in South Africa's Kruger National Park in 2025 compared to the previous year, despite interventions including dehorning and lie detector tests for rangers, the government said Tuesday.

From Barron's ● Feb. 10, 2026

In the “Materialists” press tour, Johnson is more freely magnetic, sitting for another “Vanity Fair” lie detector test and answering cheeky, rapid-fire questions with her co-star, Pedro Pascal, for “Vogue.”

From Salon ● Jun. 17, 2025

Is there a better spot for a guest actor on television than “Poker Face,” the Peacock mystery series starring Natasha Lyonne as a crime-solving human lie detector?

From Los Angeles Times ● May 15, 2025

Employees in the DEA’s polygraph unit, which vets prospective agents, reported being pressured to pass candidates after they failed a lie detector test, report says.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 25, 2024

Okay, so Gordy was a human lie detector machine, too.

From "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" by Sherman Alexie