lie detector


noun

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.

Origin of lie detector

An Americanism dating back to 1905–10

Words nearby lie detector

Example sentences from the Web for lie detector

British Dictionary definitions for lie detector

lie detector

noun

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 (def. 1), galvanic skin response

Medical definitions for lie detector

lie detector

n.

A polygraph used to detect possible deception during an interrogation.