TEAR GASES Meaning and
Definition
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Tear gases, also known as riot control agents or lacrimators, are non-lethal chemical compounds that are used to incapacitate individuals temporarily. These substances are typically deployed in situations where there is unrest, protest, or violence, to disperse crowds or halt or control the activities of rioters.
The main purpose of tear gases is to cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and respiratory system, inducing temporary incapacitation and disabling individuals by rendering them unable to function effectively. Tear gases primarily work by irritating the mucous membranes, leading to significant discomfort, excessive tearing, coughing, and difficulty breathing. As a result, tear gases can induce immediate pain and incapacitation, often causing individuals to flee the affected area.
Common types of tear gases include CS gas (2-chlorobenzalmalononitrile), CN gas (chloroacetophenone), and OC gas (oleoresin capsicum). These substances are typically disseminated in the form of aerosol sprays, grenades, or canisters. Tear gases are usually absorbed through the eyes, mouth, and respiratory system, with the effects becoming noticeable within seconds of exposure.
It is important to note that tear gases are considered non-lethal, but they can have harmful effects, especially on individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma. Prolonged exposure, or exposure to high concentrations, can also increase the risk of complications. Tear gases are primarily used by law enforcement agencies and military personnel for crowd control purposes, although their use is subject to legal and ethical considerations, as well as specific regulations set by governments and international bodies.
Common Misspellings for TEAR GASES
- tear gase
- rear gases
- fear gases
- gear gases
- year gases
- 6ear gases
- 5ear gases
- twar gases
- tsar gases
- tdar gases
- trar gases
- t4ar gases
- t3ar gases
- tezr gases
- tesr gases
- tewr gases
- teqr gases
- teae gases
- tead gases
- teaf gases
Etymology of TEAR GASES
The word "tear gas" is compound in nature, formed by combining the words "tear" and "gas".
The word "tear" originated from the Old English word "tear", which means a drop of water from the eye. It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "tahran" and the Proto-Indo-European root "dakru".
The word "gas" has a more complex etymology. It originated from the Greek word "khaos" or "khaosy", meaning "empty space" or "void". Eventually, this evolved into the Latin word "chaos" with a similar meaning. The term "gas" as we know it originated in the late 17th century and was coined by Flemish chemist Jan Baptiste Van Helmont, who used it to describe a substance in the air.
