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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Some bystanders had heated verbal exchanges with police, who are seen in the video grappling with and using pepper spray on people who didn’t disperse. Dan Belson, Baltimore Sun, 18 June 2025 Unrest led to a large law enforcement response on Thursday, June 12, and groups said there were reports of agents deploying tear gas and pepper spray. Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 13 June 2025 Dozens of officers squared off with protesters near the federal building, with some shooting pepper spray. Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025 Austin police used pepper spray balls and state police used tear gas when demonstrators began trying to deface the federal building with spray paint. Greg Norman, FOXNews.com, 11 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for pepper spray

Word History

First Known Use

1979, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pepper spray was in 1979

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pepper spray.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pepper%20spray. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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