truth serum

noun

: a hypnotic or anesthetic held to induce a subject under questioning to talk freely

Examples of truth serum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The assignment escalated into a deadly couple’s fight involving shootouts, bombs and knives culminating in a double dose of truth serum. Meredith Woerner, Variety, 7 Aug. 2024 Surrounded by the trappings of wealth, the duo turn on each other, blowing up their home and ultimately, their relationship… only to end their fight sprawled out on the carpet, high off truth serum, sweating, kissing and baring their souls to each other. Meredith Woerner, Variety, 7 Aug. 2024 An effective truth serum has never been scientifically proved, but that hasn’t stopped various intelligence and law enforcement agencies from slipping subjects a cocktail’s worth of different substances in an attempt to increase their truthfulness. Erik Ofgang, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Aug. 2024 Whereas most pop songs utilize at least a modicum of gloss to conceal the thirstiest elements of the human condition, this thing sounded like it was shot full of caffeine and truth serum. Chris Richards, Washington Post, 13 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for truth serum 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'truth serum.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1913, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of truth serum was in 1913

Dictionary Entries Near truth serum

Cite this Entry

“Truth serum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/truth%20serum. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

truth serum

noun
: a hypnotic or anesthetic (as thiopental) held to induce a subject under questioning to talk freely
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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