nonlethal

adjective

non·​le·​thal ˌnän-ˈlē-thəl 

: not lethal : not capable of causing death

a nonlethal gas

nonlethal weapons

a nonlethal dose of venom

Examples of nonlethal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Since 1950, California has recorded 235 shark incidents, of which 97 resulted in no injury, 121 resulted in a nonlethal injury and 17 were fatal, according to the Department of Fish and Wildlife. — Kori McNair, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026

State negotiators rejected the idea of allowing ranchers to use rubber bullets and other nonlethal ammunition because some can be confused for real bullets, Fisher said. — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 11 July 2026

Since the decision, residents and conservationists around the country have rallied around the geese, urging the HOA to reconsider the cull and find nonlethal measures to control the population. — Drew Pittock, USA Today, 16 June 2026

Pearson said any bear problems should be promptly reported to Fish and Game, as early interventions can increase the chances that the agency can remove the bear by nonlethal methods. — Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 15 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1625, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for nonlethal

• sublethal
• lethal