incapacitant

[ in-kuh-pas-i-tuhnt ]

noun

1. something, as a chemical spray, that incapacitates an individual:

   to use incapacitants for riot control.

incapacitant

/ ˌɪnkəˈpæsɪtənt /

noun

1. a substance that can temporarily incapacitate a person, used esp as a weapon in chemical warfare

Word History and Origins

Origin of incapacitant¹

First recorded in 1960–65; incapacit(ate) + -ant

Example Sentences

The court heard how in January 2021, Hanson sent his wife a phone recording of body worn video taken by him when he used Pava incapacitant spray on an individual known to have mental health difficulties.

From BBC

Three officers used their incapacitant sprays within 35 seconds of arriving at the scene.

From BBC

The watchdog said it understood officers attempted to stop the man and used pava spray, an incapacitant, as they tried to restrain him.

From BBC

Gross misconduct notices have been served on two police officers who used a baton, a Taser and incapacitant spray on a man in a wheelchair.

From BBC

Police officers Scott James and Ryan Curtis entered Belfairs Methodist Church armed only with a baton and incapacitant spray, despite being warned the suspect was armed with a knife.

From BBC