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

Complaints about poor conditions were often ignored or met with violence, including late-night beatings and pepper spray, detainees said. — Miami Herald, 10 July 2026

Court papers further state that shortly thereafter, without giving any additional commands to Houseton, Kirk sprayed her twice in the face with pepper spray. — City News Service, Daily News, 7 July 2026

Police fired tear gas and pepper spray at protesters who were pelting them with rocks, eggs and other objects. — Hameraldi Agolli, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026

The medical examiner’s report cited the struggle involving pepper spray, restraint, chest compressions, asthma and blunt trauma in the cause of death. — Ginny Monk, Hartford Courant, 27 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1979, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for pepper spray

• aaa
• alleyway
• alumnae
• anime
• anyway
• arete
• attache
• axillae
• baa
• beaujolais
• bouvier
• breakaway