Incapacitant: meaning, definitions and examples
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incapacitant
[ ɪnˈkæpəˌsɪtənt ]
substance use
An incapacitant is a chemical or physical agent used to incapacitate or immobilize a person or animal, typically for purposes of control or restraint. These agents can include various types of neurotoxins or sedatives that induce unconsciousness or temporary paralysis.
Synonyms
anesthetic, nerve agent, sedative.
Examples of usage
- The police used an incapacitant to subdue the suspect.
- Certain incapacitant agents are employed in military operations.
- The facility was equipped with various incapacitant substances for security purposes.
Translations
Translations of the word "incapacitant" in other languages:
🇵🇹 incapacitante
🇮🇳 अक्षम करने वाला
🇩🇪 Inkapazität
🇮🇩 inkapasitasi
🇺🇦 неспроможний
🇵🇱 unieruchamiający
🇯🇵 無能力にする
🇫🇷 incapacitant
🇪🇸 incapacitante
🇹🇷 etkisiz hale getiren
🇰🇷 무능력하게 하는
🇸🇦 مُعَطِّل
🇨🇿 ochromující
🇸🇰 ochromujúci
🇨🇳 使无能
🇸🇮 ohromilni
🇮🇸 óvirkur
🇰🇿 қабілетсіз ететін
🇬🇪 აუტანებელი
🇦🇿 qabiliyyətsiz edən
🇲🇽 incapacitante
Etymology
The term 'incapacitant' derives from the Latin root 'capere', meaning 'to seize or take', combined with the prefix 'in-', implying negation or removal. The word began to gain prominence in the 20th century during discussions of law enforcement and military tactics. As non-lethal methods of control became more important, especially in riot control and hostage situations, the scientific and military communities developed various substances that could incapacitate a target without causing permanent harm. This led to a refinement in the definition and use of incapacitating agents, highlighting both their effectiveness and ethical implications in modern society.