profiler

American  

[proh-fahy-ler] / ˈproʊ faɪ lər /

noun

1. any of several types of machine tools for reproducing shapes in metal or other materials from a master form.

---

profiler British  

/ ˈprəʊfaɪlə /

noun

1. a person or device that creates a profile, esp someone with psychological training who assists police investigations by identifying the likely characteristics of the perpetrator of a particular crime

---

Etymology

Origin of profiler

First recorded in 1900–05; profile + -er ¹

Example Sentences

Mary Ellen O’Toole, a professor at George Mason University and a former FBI profiler, said the video footage is helpful to investigators in more than one way, including providing some insight into the personality of the alleged kidnapper.

From Los Angeles Times

Aggie is a Pulitzer Prize–winning author and profiler of modern icons who hasn’t published much since her bestselling memoir came out in 2018.

From Salon

County Sheriff’s arson unit and arson profiler.

From Los Angeles Times

But perhaps most importantly, the story was held together by a theme any politician with presidential aspirations seeks to cultivate from a profiler: The subject as a vehicle for America to make a decisive break with an unsatisfactory past.

From Salon

For 1986’s “Manhunter,” Petersen is Will Graham, a former FBI criminal profiler with an uncommon ability to understand the mindset of serial killers.

From Los Angeles Times