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

Some were tackled, blinded with pepper spray or shocked with Tasers. — Kristian Hernández, San Antonio Express-News, 15 Oct. 2026

Officer Rosenbloom then allegedly deployed his pepper spray into the man's face several times without legal justification. — Bryan Lynn, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026

During the argument, a person discharged pepper spray, which led to a fight. — Kansas City Star, 9 Oct. 2026

Detainees described at least one other incident in which pepper spray was deployed against them by officers, after asking officers to not remove a jug of clean water. — Claire Healy, Miami Herald, 8 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