noun
- Agents or substances that reduce or eliminate a person's ability to function physically or mentally, typically used in military or law enforcement contexts without causing permanent injury or death.
Usage: plural form; technical/military term; often refers to chemical or biological agents
Examples
- Military researchers have studied various incapacitants as non-lethal alternatives to conventional weapons.
- The treaty restricts the use of certain incapacitants in armed conflict.
- Law enforcement agencies have explored incapacitants for crowd control situations.
- Chemical incapacitants can temporarily impair motor skills and judgment.
- International agreements limit the development and deployment of incapacitants in warfare.