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A Taser is an electric weapon that stuns its human or animal target by direct contact or with wired barbs that are shot from the device.

The word Taser is a trademark for a brand, but in common usage it is used to refer to any such device and is often used as a synonym for stun gun. When used this way, it’s usually not capitalized (taser). Sometimes, though, it’s spelled in all capitals (TASER).

Tasers are typically associated with their use by police. Civilians have also adopted such weapons for self-defense.

Taser was coined in the 1970s by its inventor, Jack Cover, who named it with an acronym based on the 1911 book that partly inspired the weapon: Tom Swift and His Electric Rifle. The A was added to make the acronym pronounceable. (You can read more about the book and the name here.)

The Taser was developed as a gun alternative, and it and similar weapons have become widespread in law enforcement as an alternative way to incapacitate suspects. While the Taser and similar devices have been called a “nonlethal” or “less lethal” alternative to guns, tasing someone can still injure or kill them. For this reason, the use of Tasers by police has been criticized.

An increase in the use of such devices coincided with the appearance of the verb form tase (taser is also sometimes used as a verb). Although the company that owns the Taser trademark objects to any change or differing use of the name, the verb tase has been in popular use since at least the 1990s.

What are some other forms related to Taser?

• taser (alternate spelling)
• TASER (alternate spelling)

What are some synonyms for Taser?

• stun gun

What are some words that share a root or word element with Taser?��

• tase

What are some words that often get used in discussing Taser?

• weapon
• police
• self-defense
• force
• brutality
• nonlethal

Taser is most often used in the context of its use by police or for self-defense.

At least 49 people died in 2018 after being shocked with a Taser by police, according to a review of police records, news reports and court documents

— Reuters (@Reuters)

2018 In-Service Training includes Taser recertification requiring curriculum review, a written test and firing two live cartridges into targets. via

— Omaha Police Dept (@OmahaPolice)

House approved SBs 29-30, 93; they allow a person licensed to carry a gun for self-defense to carry a Taser.

— Jase Bolger (@SpeakerBolger)

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