tear gas

views updated May 23 2018

tear gas / ti(ə)r/ • n. gas that causes severe irritation to the eyes, chiefly used in riot control to force crowds to disperse.• v. (tear-gas) [tr.] (usu. be tear-gassed) attack with tear gas.

tear gas

views updated Jun 11 2018

tear gas Chemical compound known as a lachrymator, a gas or aerosol that causes an excessive flow of tears. It blinds and incapacitates temporarily without causing permanent injury.