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-gassing 

1. to subject to tear gas.

tear gas

/ tɪə /

noun

1. Also called: lacrimator. 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of tear gas¹

First recorded in 1915–20

Origin of tear gas²

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

Oregon Public Broadcasting reported that federal law enforcement fired tear gas and smoke canisters to break up the protest and made several arrests.

From BBC

In several cities, including Milan and Bologna, there were clashes, with protesters throwing stones at police then being sprayed with tear gas.

From BBC

Security forces have maintained a heavy presence across Antananarivo and other major cities, with police using tear gas and water cannon to disperse the protesters.

From BBC

A dusk-to-dawn curfew was imposed in Antananarivo after reports of violence and looting, with police firing rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse the crowds.

From BBC

The protesters, some of whom threw stones and other missiles, were dispersed by police firing tear gas and rubber bullets, AFP news agency reported.

From BBC

Related Words

• poison gas