polygraph

/ˈpɑlɪˌɡræf/
noun
  1. A machine that measures and records a person's physical responses (such as heart rate, blood pressure, and sweating) to determine if they are telling the truth; also called a lie detector.
    • The suspect agreed to take a polygraph test to prove his innocence.
    • The spy was trained to control his breathing and heart rate to fool the polygraph.
    • Many courts do not allow polygraph results as evidence because they can be unreliable.
verb
  1. To test someone using a polygraph (lie detector).
    • The detective polygraphed the witness to verify her story.
    • They polygraph job applicants only for positions involving classified information.
    • The company decided to polygraph all new employees in the security division.
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