What type of weapon is designed to temporarily incapacitate an attacker rather than kill?

Pepper spray is specifically designed to temporarily incapacitate an attacker rather than to cause permanent harm or death. It contains an active ingredient derived from chili peppers, which irritates the eyes, causing pain, tears, and temporary vision impairment. This effect allows the victim a chance to escape or seek help while the attacker is distracted and incapacitated.

In contrast, firearms, knives, and batons are generally used with the potential for lethal force. Firearms, by their nature, are designed to inflict serious bodily harm or death, while knives can also lead to fatal injuries. Batons, although they are considered less lethal than firearms or knives, can still cause significant harm or even death if used with excessive force, especially to vulnerable areas of the body. Thus, pepper spray stands out as a non-lethal option specifically aimed at incapacitating rather than killing an attacker.