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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.


Taser British  
/ ˈteɪzə /

noun

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

verb

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Five Metropolitan Police officers have been removed from front-line duties after a bag containing firearms and a Taser was found on a London street, the force has said.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 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

“You are starting to see drones as synonymous as a Taser or a patrol car,” said Brandon Karr, public information officer for the Law Enforcement Drone Association.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 28, 2025

Then she reached over and slid the Taser into Jonah’s grasp.

From "Found" by Margaret Peterson Haddix