Top 10 Nonlethal Weapons That Are Actually Lethal Nonlethal weapons aren’t supposed to be deadly; that’s the whole idea behind their name. Merriam-Webster’s definition for “nonlethal” even says “not capable of causing death.” [1] Nonlethals are meant to incapacitate a target without taking their life, while still assuring that the threat is neutralized. However, as we’re about to find out, nonlethals can be as deadly as their lethal counterparts. Some can easily be lethal despite their classification as nonlethal. Others might generally work as intended, but certain conditions can quickly turn them into deadly weapons. 10 Active Denial System