Definition

A substance that causes tears to be produced, often used in situations like crowd control or self-defense.

Example

The police used a lacrimator to disperse the crowd during the protest.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of a lacrimator?

Yeah, I think it’s something that makes you cry, right?

Exactly! I read that tear gas is a type of lacrimator used for crowd control.

That’s interesting, but I can’t imagine being around something like that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Lacrimator → It is formed from "lacrima" (meaning tear) and "-tor" (meaning one who). The word refers to one who causes tears, often used in the context of substances that induce crying, such as tear gas.

Memory Tip

Think of someone or something that causes 'tears' ('lacrima') — that's why a 'lacrimator' is something that makes you cry.

Visually Confused Words