Polygraph

/ˈpɒliɡɹæf/ noun, verb

noun, verb ·Uncommon ·College level

Meaning at a glance

  • Primary sense: A device which measures and records several physiological variables such as blood pressure, heart rate, respiration and skin conductivity while a series of questions is being posed to a subject, in an attempt to detect deception.
  • Grammar: polygraph is listed as noun, verb.
  • Nearest alternatives: deception detector, device, examine, lie detector.
  • Useful contrasts: accuracy, honesty detector, nonanalytic interview.
  • Usage evidence: Would you mind taking a polygraph test?

How to use "polygraph"

  1. Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
  2. Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "polygraph" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
  3. Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.

Meaning check

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  • Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
  • Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
  • Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?

Source and review context

This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "polygraph" in a final draft.

If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.

Before you rely on this definition

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If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "polygraph" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.

Compare nearby meanings

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  • Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
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Definition decision workflow

1. Identify the role

Check whether "polygraph" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.

2. Test the nearest option

Compare it with "deception detector" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.

3. Confirm with context

Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.

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Final meaning check

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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    A device which measures and records several physiological variables such as blood pressure, heart rate, respiration and skin conductivity while a series of questions is being posed to a subject, in an attempt to detect deception.

    "It used to be just a plain office with a chair and some instruments on a table. Then they got the new, fancy polygraph system."

  2. 2
    a medical instrument that records several physiological processes simultaneously (e.g., pulse rate and blood pressure and respiration and perspiration) wordnet
  3. 3
    A mechanical instrument for multiplying copies of a writing, resembling multiple pantographs. dated
  4. 4
    A collection of different works, either by one or several authors. archaic
  5. 5
    A group of letters that represent a single phoneme.
Show 3 more definitions
  1. 6
    Any group of letters treated as a single item.

    "A polygraph consists of an unspecified number of adjacent letters. A polygraph need not be recognisable as a word in a language but if we are attempting to decipher a message which is expected to be in English and we find the heptagraph MEETING it is much more promising than if we find a heptagraph such as DKRPIGX."

  2. 7
    An author who writes on many subjects.
  3. 8
    A multidimensional directed graph.
Verb
  1. 1
    To administer a polygraph test to. transitive

    "The FBI polygraphed the suspect but learned nothing because they already knew he was lying."

Synonyms

All synonyms
deception detectordeviceexaminelie detectorlie detector controversylie detector examination

Antonyms

accuracyhonesty detectornonanalytic interviewreliability

Example

"Would you mind taking a polygraph test?"

Common questions

What does "polygraph" mean?

A device which measures and records several physiological variables such as blood pressure, heart rate, respiration and skin conductivity while a series of questions is being posed to a subject, in an attempt to detect deception.

What is a synonym for "polygraph"?

Common synonyms include: deception detector, device, examine, lie detector, lie detector controversy, lie detector examination.

How do you use "polygraph" in a sentence?

Would you mind taking a polygraph test?

How do you pronounce "polygraph"?

Pronounced /ˈpɒliɡɹæf/.

Etymology

From poly- + -graph.

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