Taser

American  

[tey-zer] / ˈteɪ zər /

Trademark.

1. Often TASER a brand name for a gunlike device that uses propelled wires or direct contact to electrically stun and incapacitate a person temporarily.

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Taser British  

/ ˈteɪzə /

noun

1. a weapon that fires electrical probes that give an electric shock, causing temporary paralysis

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verb

1. (tr) to stun (someone) with a taser

Usage

What is a Taser? A Taser is an electric weapon that stuns its human or animal target by direct contact or with wired barbs that are shot from the device. The word Taser is a trademark for a brand, but in common usage it is used to refer to any such device and is often used as a synonym for stun gun. When used this way, it’s usually not capitalized (taser). Sometimes, though, it’s spelled in all capitals (TASER). Tasers are typically associated with their use by police. Civilians have also adopted such weapons for self-defense.

Example Sentences

The use of the Taser was against official policing guidance, which states the devices should only be used "as a proportionate response to an identified threat".

From BBC • May 30, 2026

Axon Enterprises stock jumped on Wednesday, as the maker of Taser stun guns said its efforts at providing artificial intelligence-driven services to law enforcement clients have led to bookings.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 25, 2026

Sanchez was unable to use his less lethal Taser because its battery had been drained.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 29, 2026

Axon Enterprise dropped 14% after the Taser maker swung to a loss in the third quarter, and adjusted earnings in the period of $1.17 a share missed analysts’ expectations of $1.52.

From Barron's • Nov. 5, 2025

He tucked the Taser under his arm and pounded in a whole string of coding on the Elucidator.

From "Found" by Margaret Peterson Haddix