nonlethal
/nɑnˈliθəl/
adjective
- Not causing death; not intended or likely to kill.
- Police used nonlethal methods like pepper spray to control the crowd.
- Nonlethal weapons are often preferred in situations where deadly force is unnecessary.
- The animal trap was designed to be nonlethal, capturing the raccoon unharmed.
- Not fatal in effect; not deadly (used of diseases, chemicals, or conditions).
- The snake's venom is nonlethal to humans, though it causes swelling.
- The virus was nonlethal for most people, causing only mild symptoms.
- Exposure to this chemical is nonlethal in small amounts.