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pepper spray

noun

: a temporarily disabling aerosol that is composed partly of capsicum oleoresin and causes irritation and blinding of the eyes and inflammation of the nose, throat, and skin

Examples of pepper spray in a Sentence

The police used pepper spray to bring the suspect under control.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Keep in mind that not all states allow delivery or even the use of pepper spray. Nneya Richards, Travel + Leisure, 2 Dec. 2025 Officers used pepper spray after stones were thrown at them at one location, police said. Daniel Niemann, Arkansas Online, 1 Dec. 2025 According to The Associated Press, officers used pepper spray after stones were thrown at them at one location, police said. Benjamin Weinthal, FOXNews.com, 29 Nov. 2025 The confrontations prompted some officers to deploy what appeared to be pepper spray to subdue demonstrators, the official added. Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 29 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pepper spray

Word History

First Known Use

1979, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pepper spray was in 1979

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Cite this Entry

“Pepper spray.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pepper%20spray. Accessed 6 Dec. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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