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

The employee then suggested White buy pepper spray instead of a gun and directed her to a shooting range for training, the complaint states. — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026

Students participating in a homecoming dance at Crofton High School on Saturday were forced to leave the event early after someone released pepper spray that affected several people on the dance floor. — Bryan Lynn, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026

Broward Sheriff’s Office detectives are seeking the public’s help finding a woman accused of attacking a North Lauderdale store clerk with pepper spray earlier this month. — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026

Some were tackled, blinded with pepper spray or shocked with Tasers. — Kristian Hernández, San Antonio Express-News, 15 Oct. 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