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

There were heated confrontations, stunning accusations and even lie detector tests, but one of the season’s best moments came via a reconciliation effort.

From Los Angeles Times

All three balls were authenticated by SCP Auctions through notarized affidavits and lie detector tests.

From Los Angeles Times

But she also recently revealed in a Vanity Fair lie detector test that she failed a few exams along the way, blaming ChatGPT for being an unreliable study buddy.

From Salon

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

She said a Combs aide administered a lie detector test to her.

From Los Angeles Times