stun gun

American  

noun

1. a battery-powered, handheld weapon that fires an electric charge when held against a person and activated by a trigger or button, used, especially by police, to immobilize a person briefly and without injury.

2. any of various handheld weapons that shoot small pellet-filled bags, tranquilizer darts, darts attached to electric wires, or the like to immobilize a person or animal briefly and without injury.

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stun gun British  

noun

1. a device designed to immobilize an animal or person temporarily without inflicting serious injury

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Etymology

Origin of stun gun

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

Mr Martin, from Croydon, has admitted having a stun gun and denied all other charges.

From BBC

Axon, which makes Taser stun guns, is asking new hires to spend Tuesday through Friday in the office starting next month.

From The Wall Street Journal

One of the family members had a stun gun and the sound of the weapon scared away the mountain lion, Tira said.

From Los Angeles Times

Ministers say they will look at whether the electric stun guns should be more widely used after the trial this summer.

From BBC

Mr Amaaz also told the court that, at one point, he saw PC Ellie Cook pointing what he thought was a gun at his brother without realising it was actually an electronic stun gun.

From BBC