Pronunciation: [tˈe͡ɪzəz] (IPA) 
The word "tasers," which is the plural form of "taser," refers to a type of electroshock weapon. The word is spelled with /z/ sound at the end, pronounced as /z/ or /s/ depending on the speaker's accent. This is because the word "taser" itself is the trademark name spelled with an "s," but the common usage spelling includes a "z" sound. Therefore, it is common to hear the word pronounced as /teɪzəz/ or /teɪsəz/ by different people.
Tasers, also known as stun guns, are electronic devices used for incapacitating subjects by delivering an electric shock. They are primarily utilized by law enforcement agencies and are designed to temporarily immobilize individuals without causing significant harm or permanent injury. The term "tasers" is often used to refer to devices manufactured by Taser International Inc., but it has become a genericized trademark, commonly used to describe similar implements produced by various other companies.
A typical taser consists of two main components: the handheld device and the cartridge connected by wires. The handheld device features a trigger mechanism, safety switch, and a power supply, usually in the form of a rechargeable battery. When activated, the taser sends an electrical charge through the wires and into the subject. This charge disrupts the target's neuromuscular functions, causing temporary paralysis, intense muscle contractions, and immense pain. The individual is typically unable to control their movements and experiences a loss of body control due to the electrical impulses overriding the nervous system.
The use of tasers by law enforcement is controversial, with advocates highlighting their effectiveness in restraining potentially dangerous individuals without resorting to more lethal force. Critics, however, raise concerns about misuse, inappropriate deployment, and potential health risks associated with the high-voltage shocks. Consequently, regulations and training programs have been established to ensure proper and ethical use of these devices, including guidelines on target areas, distance limitations, and warnings against misuse on certain vulnerable populations.
The word "TASER" is an acronym derived from "Thomas A. Swift's Electric Rifle". It was created in the 1970s by Jack Cover, an American inventor and physicist, who named it after the title character in the science fiction adventure book series he enjoyed as a child, called "Tom Swift". The term "TASER" became a brand name for the electroshock weapons developed by Cover, and it has since become a genericized trademark for similar devices produced by various manufacturers.
