sarin

noun

sa·​rin ˈsär-ən 

ˈser-;

zä-ˈrēn 

: an extremely toxic chemical weapon C₄H₁₀FO₂P that is used as a lethal nerve gas

called also GB

Examples of sarin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The chemicals, including sarin, mustard gas and chlorine gas, represent a major test for Syria’s caretaker government. — Natasha Frost, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025

However, just one year later, Obama chose not to respond to Assad’s killing of more than 1,000 Syrians with sarin gas with military action. — Christian Datoc, The Washington Examiner, 14 Jan. 2026

Trump struck Bashar al-Assad’s airbases in 2017 and 2018, after the Syrian dictator attacked his own people with sarin nerve gas. — Andrew Kishuni, Orlando Sentinel, 31 Jan. 2025

In August 2013, Assad ordered a devastating sarin gas attack in Ghouta which killed at least 1,400 people, many of them children. — S.e. Cupp, New York Daily News, 11 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

German

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

sarin

noun

sa·​rin ˈsär-ən  zä-ˈrēn 

: an extremely toxic chemical warfare agent C₄H₁₀FO₂P that is a powerful cholinesterase inhibitor

called also GB