polygraph
noun
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With its graph- root, polygraph indicates that it writes out several different results. A polygraph's output consists of a set of squiggly lines on a computer screen, each indicating one function being tested. The functions most commonly measured are blood pressure, breathing rate, pulse, and perspiration, all of which tend to increase when you lie. Polygraphs have been in use since 1924, and have gotten more sensitive over the years, though many experts still believe that they're unreliable and that a prepared liar can fool the machine. They're used not only for law enforcement but perhaps more often by employers--often the police department itself!--who don't want to hire someone who has broken the law in the past but won't admit to it.
Examples of polygraph in a Sentence
Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2025
Those who truly didn’t believe Silk tasted better based on their polygraph results would get $50.
—Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 16 Jan. 2025
When confronted with the new allegations, Mr. Hines immediately demanded a polygraph test and offered his phone for inspection.
—Adeel Hassan, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2025
In between Chris Tapp's nine interrogations, detectives administered seven polygraph exams.
—CBS News, 4 Sep. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Polygraph.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polygraph. Accessed 8 Feb. 2025.
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polygraph
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