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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
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.
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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.
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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.
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Chris Richards, Washington Post, 13 Mar. 2024
The structure is pleasantly nostalgic: Adventure-of-the-week stories that blend classic spy-genre elements — earpiece banter and epic shootouts, truth serum and international travel — with big-name guest stars in showcase roles.
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Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 1 Feb. 2024
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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
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 11 Sep. 2024.
Medical Definition
truth serum
noun
: a hypnotic or anesthetic (as thiopental) held to induce a subject under questioning to talk freely
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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