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.
At least 44 people were arrested during the protests on Friday, according to Reuters, during which officers used pepper spray and tear gas on hundreds of protesters outside federal buildings. Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 June 2025 During the disturbance, one of them used pepper spray against the other. Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 31 May 2025 Walker sprayed the woman with pepper spray, and Polk shocked her with her Taser, the warrants say. Angie Dimichele, Miami Herald, 30 May 2025 Haley deployed pepper spray and was later is recorded kicking Nichols in the torso alongside Martin. Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 8 May 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

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Cite this Entry

“Pepper spray.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pepper%20spray. Accessed 15 Jun. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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