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Glite Dictionary
polygraphist

polygraphist

9.6
A person who operates a lie detector machine
  • noun
  • /ˌpɒlɪˈɡræfɪst/
  • Specialized
translation icon : poligrafista
  • During the investigation, the detective consulted a trained polygraphist to help verify the suspect's claims.

Examples

  • After the interview, the polygraphist prepared a detailed report for the investigators.

  • The polygraphist conducted the test professionally.

  • The polygraphist carefully monitored the subject's responses during the test.

  • A skilled polygraphist must understand both the machine and human behavior.

  • Many polygraphists work in law enforcement.

  • The polygraphist carefully analyzed the results to determine if the suspect was telling the truth.

  • After the interview, the polygraphist reviewed the readings to assess the reliability of the witness's statements.

Synonyms

polygrapher
vspolygraphist
  • Specialized
1 7.7

Person who uses a lie detector to test if someone is telling the truth

refers to the same role but as the other written form

How Experienced

examiner
81 2.8
polygraphist
  • Specialized
9.6
technician
  • Specialized
184 3.7
trainee
50 2.4

Surface Forms

polygraphist singular
polygraphists plural

Morphology

polygraphist = polygraph (transparent) = polygraph + ist

The formation is a straightforward agentive '-ist' added to the noun 'polygraph', so the meaning 'person who operates a polygraph' is directly derived.

Etymology

Polygraphist comes from Greek parts: poly- 'many', -graph 'write or record' (as in photograph), and -ist 'person who does'. A helpful image is a machine that makes many 'writings' as lines or charts about a person's body, so a polygraphist is the person who runs that machine and reads its results.