water cannon

noun

a truck-mounted hose or pipe that shoots a jet of water through a nozzle at extremely high pressure, used especially in dispersing rioters or demonstrators.

water cannon

an apparatus for pumping water through a nozzle at high pressure, used in quelling riots

First recorded in 1965–70

On some days there have been more police water-cannon trucks and riot shields on show than tanks.

As he lay unconscious on the Woodvale Road, he was caught by the blast of a police water cannon.

I would like to see the use of water cannon, snatch squads, and baton rounds.

The whalers fight back, with devices such as water cannon and acoustic devices.

ElBaradei was greeted with water cannon and tear gas when he and his supporters exited Friday prayers.

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