water cannon

noun

1. a truck-mounted hose or pipe that shoots a jet of water through a nozzle at extremely high pressure, used especially in dispersing rioters or demonstrators.

water cannon

noun

1. an apparatus for pumping water through a nozzle at high pressure, used in quelling riots

Word History and Origins

Origin of water cannon¹

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

Last week it emerged that the interior minister had bought new water cannon vehicles and other equipment for riot police, including lethal weapons, for use "when it becomes necessary".

From BBC

Protests became violent in Rome, and police responded with tear gas and water cannons.

From Los Angeles Times

Hundreds of thousands of people from across Sri Lanka had defied a national curfew - they braved tear gas shells and water cannons to march peacefully to the presidential palace, calling on Rajapaksa to step down.

From BBC

Police officers switched from using water cannon and tear gas to firing live bullets.

From BBC

Local media reported that police deployed two water cannons to the scene on Saturday, after angry protesters threatened to open the bags filled with human remains.

From BBC