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tear bomb

C1
UK/ˈtɪə ˌbɒm/US/ˈtɪr ˌbɑːm/

Technical / Journalistic

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Definition

Meaning

A device or weapon that releases tear gas (a chemical irritant) to incapacitate people temporarily.

Can refer figuratively to any situation, statement, or action that causes widespread emotional distress or outrage.

Linguistics

Semantic Notes

The term is a compound noun (noun + noun). 'Tear' here is the noun meaning 'a drop of liquid from the eye', not the verb 'to rip'. The device is a type of non-lethal or less-lethal weapon.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling of related terms may vary (e.g., 'gas' vs. 'gas' is the same, but note 'tear gas' is the standard term for the chemical).

Connotations

Associated with riot control, police/military operations, and sometimes with controversial public order tactics.

Frequency

Low frequency in everyday language. More common in news reports, police/military contexts, and historical/political discussions.

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
deploy a tear bombthrow a tear bombpolice tear bomb
medium
exploding tear bombprotests and tear bombscanister of tear bomb
weak
cloud from tear bombeffect of the tear bombresponse with a tear bomb

Grammar

Valency Patterns

[Subject] used/deployed/threw a tear bombA tear bomb was used by [Agent]The protest was dispersed with tear bombs

Vocabulary

Synonyms

Strong

chemical irritant devicelachrymatory bomb

Neutral

tear gas canisterCS gas grenaderiot control agent

Weak

gas bombstun grenade (note: different mechanism)

Vocabulary

Antonyms

peace offeringcalming agentde-escalation tool

Usage

Context Usage

Business

Rare, except in security or defence industry contexts.

Academic

Used in political science, history, or sociology papers discussing crowd control and civil unrest.

Everyday

Very rare. Would only appear in conversation when discussing news events about protests.

Technical

Common in military, law enforcement, and security manuals and reports.

Examples

By CEFR Level

A2
  • The police used a tear bomb. People ran away.
B1
  • During the protest, a tear bomb exploded and filled the street with gas.
C1
  • The controversial use of tear bombs in urban areas has raised significant human rights concerns.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of a bomb that makes you 'tear' up (cry), not a bomb that tears something apart.

Conceptual Metaphor

A WEAPON IS A SOURCE OF PAIN (emotional/physical).

Watch out

Common Pitfalls

Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)

  • Avoid translating 'tear' as 'рвать' (to rip). The correct association is 'слезоточивый' (causing tears). The phrase is 'слезоточивая граната' or 'граната со слезоточивым газом'.

Common Mistakes

  • Pronouncing 'tear' as /teər/ (to rip) instead of /tɪər/ (from the eye).
  • Using it as a verb, e.g., 'They tear bombed the crowd' (non-standard; 'used tear bombs' is correct).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
To disperse the protesters, the security forces decided to a tear bomb.
Multiple Choice

What is the primary purpose of a tear bomb?

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

A 'tear bomb' is a device that releases tear gas. 'Tear gas' is the chemical agent itself.

No, it is a noun. The action is described with verbs like 'use', 'deploy', or 'throw' a tear bomb.

They are designed as non-lethal weapons, but misuse or pre-existing health conditions can lead to serious injury or death.

Move to fresh air immediately, flush eyes and skin with clean water, and remove contaminated clothing. Seek medical advice if symptoms are severe.