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Nonlethal: meaning, definitions and examples

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nonlethal

 

[ nɒnˈliːθəl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

type of force

Nonlethal refers to methods or weapons that are designed to incapacitate rather than kill. These approaches are often used in law enforcement and military situations to minimize loss of life while still achieving a tactical advantage.

Synonyms

non-harmful, nonfatal, sublethal

Examples of usage

  • The police used nonlethal weapons to disperse the crowd.
  • Nonlethal ammunition is often used for training exercises.
  • Security forces deployed nonlethal measures during the protest.
  • He prefers nonlethal options in conflict resolution.

Translations

Translations of the word "nonlethal" in other languages:

🇵🇹 não letal

🇮🇳 गैर घातक

🇩🇪 nicht tödlich

🇮🇩 non-mematikan

🇺🇦 негативний

🇵🇱 niena śmiercionośny

🇯🇵 非致死性

🇫🇷 non létal

🇪🇸 no letal

🇹🇷 ölümcül olmayan

🇰🇷 비치명적인

🇸🇦 غير مميت

🇨🇿 neletální

🇸🇰 neletálny

🇨🇳 非致命的

🇸🇮 neusoden

🇮🇸 ekki banvænn

🇰🇿 өлімсіз

🇬🇪 არასაკმარისი

🇦🇿 ölümcül olmayan

🇲🇽 no letal

Etymology

The term 'nonlethal' is constructed from the prefix 'non-' meaning 'not' and the word 'lethal,' which traces its roots back to Latin 'letalus,' meaning deadly or fatal. 'Lethal' first appeared in English usage in the mid-15th century, while 'nonlethal' began to gain traction in the late 20th century, particularly with advances in technology leading to the development of nonlethal weapons. These weapons were primarily developed as a response to the need for law enforcement and military to control situations without resorting to deadly force. The concept has evolved with increasing focus on human rights and minimizing casualties in various enforcement and military operations.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,100 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.