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
But many police departments have stricter rules – including Chicago, which tells officers to avoid using pepper spray on people within three feet, and not to spray people already restrained.
—
Bob Ortega, CNN Money, 10 Mar. 2026
Four other protesters were also arrested, including Ian McGinnis, 21, who was accused of using pepper spray against the counterprotesters.
—Chad De Guzman, Time, 9 Mar. 2026
Those who were placed in solitary confinement at the 2,684-bed facility were left without access to soap or running water to wash off the pepper spray, and some resorted to washing their faces with toilet water, according to the lawsuit.
—ABC News, 9 Mar. 2026
Police also arrested Ian McGinnis, 21, of Philadelphia, charging him with reckless endangerment, assault and unlawful possession of noxious matter and accusing him of spraying pepper spray at counterprotesters.
—Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 8 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pepper spray
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Bob Ortega, CNN Money, 10 Mar. 2026
Four other protesters were also arrested, including Ian McGinnis, 21, who was accused of using pepper spray against the counterprotesters.
—Chad De Guzman, Time, 9 Mar. 2026
Those who were placed in solitary confinement at the 2,684-bed facility were left without access to soap or running water to wash off the pepper spray, and some resorted to washing their faces with toilet water, according to the lawsuit.
—ABC News, 9 Mar. 2026
Police also arrested Ian McGinnis, 21, of Philadelphia, charging him with reckless endangerment, assault and unlawful possession of noxious matter and accusing him of spraying pepper spray at counterprotesters.
—Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 8 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pepper spray
Cite this Entry
“Pepper spray.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pepper%20spray. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.
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