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
Police separated the groups, but chaos ensued after a person from the initial protest used pepper spray against counter-protesters.
—
Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026
The demonstrations were tolerated until the weekend, when police used pepper spray in clashes with some protesters and an army truck knocked down a log barricade at the Galway port.
—Brian Melley, Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2026
Local police were summoned and used pepper spray and handcuffs to gain control of the out-of-control and dangerous patient.
—Rick Pozniak, Boston Herald, 14 Apr. 2026
The chief added that one officer had been exposed to pepper spray, while another called for gloves before helping the victim, in line with department protocol.
—Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 9 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pepper spray
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Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026
The demonstrations were tolerated until the weekend, when police used pepper spray in clashes with some protesters and an army truck knocked down a log barricade at the Galway port.
—Brian Melley, Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2026
Local police were summoned and used pepper spray and handcuffs to gain control of the out-of-control and dangerous patient.
—Rick Pozniak, Boston Herald, 14 Apr. 2026
The chief added that one officer had been exposed to pepper spray, while another called for gloves before helping the victim, in line with department protocol.
—Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 9 Apr. 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 17 Apr. 2026.
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