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 used pepper spray and a Taser to take Williams into custody, according to Caruso.
—
Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 8 Apr. 2026
As the confrontation continued, the suspect pulled a knife and a can of pepper spray, witnesses said.
—Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 7 Apr. 2026
In court, his siblings testified that Gabriel had been beaten with a wooden club and a broomstick, and tortured with pepper spray, Icy Hot, a metal hanger, a belt, lighters and BB guns, among other objects.
—Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2026
Officers obtained and executed a warrant to search his vehicle, which was nearby, and found an airsoft gun, pepper spray, gloves and a facemask.
—Nick Lentz, CBS News, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pepper spray
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Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 8 Apr. 2026
As the confrontation continued, the suspect pulled a knife and a can of pepper spray, witnesses said.
—Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 7 Apr. 2026
In court, his siblings testified that Gabriel had been beaten with a wooden club and a broomstick, and tortured with pepper spray, Icy Hot, a metal hanger, a belt, lighters and BB guns, among other objects.
—Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2026
Officers obtained and executed a warrant to search his vehicle, which was nearby, and found an airsoft gun, pepper spray, gloves and a facemask.
—Nick Lentz, CBS News, 30 Mar. 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 10 Apr. 2026.
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