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

The gloves are marketed as a nonlethal way to subdue and control people. — Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 13 Aug. 2026

While the devices are marketed as nonlethal and safe for the heart, a pending lawsuit alleges a 43-year-old man died in 2024 after he was shocked 27 times with the gloves and 13 more times by a Taser at a jail in Richmond, Kentucky. — ABC News, 12 Aug. 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

Word History

First Known Use

1625, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for nonlethal

• sublethal
• lethal