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Polygraph Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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polygraph

[หˆpษ’lษชหŒษกrรฆf ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

lie detection

A polygraph is a device that measures and records physiological responses such as heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate to determine if someone is being deceptive. It is commonly used in criminal investigations and employment screenings.

Synonyms

deception detection device, lie detector.

Examples of usage

  • The police conducted a polygraph test to assess the suspect's honesty.
  • She agreed to take a polygraph to prove her innocence.
  • Legal disputes often involve polygraph results as evidence.
  • The company required a polygraph examination for its prospective employees.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

History

  • The first modern polygraph was invented by John Augustus Larson in 1921, primarily used in criminal investigations.
  • In its early days, the machine faced skepticism and challenges regarding its accuracy, leading to decades of debate over its reliability.

Legal Aspects

  • The admissibility of polygraph results in court varies by country and jurisdiction, with many considering them inadmissible due to their potential unreliability.
  • Some employers use polygraph tests for security clearance or sensitive positions, although their ethical implications are often debated.

Pop Culture

  • Polygraphs have been featured in numerous movies and TV shows, often depicted as foolproof lie detectors, which can result in skewed public perceptions.
  • In detective stories and crime dramas, polygraph tests are frequently used as a narrative device to reveal character motivations or truths.

Science

  • The polygraph measures physiological responses such as heart rate, blood pressure, and skin conductivity, positing a connection between these changes and emotional states.
  • Studies show that while polygraphs can indicate stress, they are not infallible predictors of deception, as various factors can impact results.

Origin of 'polygraph'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'polygraph' comes from Greek roots: 'poly' meaning many and 'graph' meaning to write, hinting at its function of tracking multiple body signals.
  • Originally, the term referred to a machine that could write multiple copies of a document at once before evolving to its current meaning related to lie detection.

The term 'polygraph' derives from the Greek words 'poly', meaning 'many', and 'grapho', meaning 'to write'. The device was first developed in the early 20th century, with its most notable advancements occurring in the 1920s by John A. Larson, a medical student, and later by Leonarde Keeler. Initially, polygraphs were used primarily for research in physiology but later found their applications in criminal investigations. The technology behind the polygraph has evolved significantly, yet its controversial nature continues to provoke debates regarding its reliability and ethical implications in law enforcement and employment practices.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,341, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.