tear gas

¹

[ teer ]

noun

1. a gas that makes the eyes smart and water, thus producing a temporary blindness, used in modern warfare, to quell riots, etc.

tear-gas

²

[ teer-gas ]

verb (used with object)

, tear-gassed, tear-gas·sing.

1. to subject to tear gas.

tear gas

/ tɪə /

noun

1. any one of a number of gases or vapours that make the eyes smart and water, causing temporary blindness; usually dispersed from grenades and used in warfare and to control riots Also calledlacrimator

Word History and Origins

Origin of tear gas¹

First recorded in 1915–20

Origin of tear gas²

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

Greek police have been criticised after it was claimed they used riot shields and tear gas to control England supporters during the Nations League match with Greece in Athens.

From BBC

Two different Frelimo offices were reportedly attacked in Nampula, prompting the police to respond with tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition, killing one person.

From BBC

MacArthur assumed the task of deploying tanks, bayonets and tear gas on fellow citizens enthusiastically, calling the camp residents “insurrectionists.”

From Los Angeles Times

On Monday, he organised nationwide demonstrations, which were dispersed by police firing live rounds and tear gas.

From BBC

On Monday, police used live rounds, tear gas, armoured vehicles and police dogs to push back protesters from the site in the capital city Maputo where Dias and Guambe were shot dead.

From BBC

Related Words

• poison gas