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.
Police used pepper spray before pushing protesters with their shields. Jovana Gec, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2025 Law enforcement officials used tear gas, pepper spray, and flash-bang grenades against the crowd. Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 10 June 2025 Law enforcement used tear gas and pepper spray and arrested at least two people, KXAN reported. Kate Plummer shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 June 2025 Some bystanders had heated verbal exchanges with police, who are seen in the video grappling with and using pepper spray on people who didn’t disperse. Dan Belson, Baltimore Sun, 18 June 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pepper spray.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pepper%20spray. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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