Sternutator (Noun)
Meaning
A chemical substance that causes sneezing and coughing and crying; "police used a sternutatory to subdue the mob".
Classification
Nouns denoting substances.
Examples
- The police officer accidentally inhaled a sternutator while trying to subdue the suspect, causing him to sneeze uncontrollably.
- The protesters were dispersed quickly after the authorities deployed a sternutator to clear the area.
- The sternutator used by the riot control team was so potent that it caused everyone within a block to start coughing and sneezing.
- The lab technician carefully handled the sternutator, aware of its ability to induce intense respiratory reactions.
- In the future, scientists hope to develop more targeted sternutators that can be used to disperse crowds without causing long-term harm.