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

In Danbury, protesters have had tense confrontations with ICE officers, who responded at least once with pepper spray, according to activists. — ABC News, 27 Aug. 2026

Investigators said Hadel was too close to Brown to safely use pepper spray or a Taser and found insufficient evidence that the officer's use of force was excessive. — Mike Hellgren, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026

Unlike pepper spray, which isn’t always permitted in every country or airport, this personal alarm is a TSA-friendly way to stay safe. — Annita Katee, Travel + Leisure, 22 Aug. 2026

The incident initially drew skepticism after forensic testing of one of Rivera’s gowns and a makeup brush found no trace of pepper spray. — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Aug. 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