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.
The group of 40-50 juveniles fighting toward the end of Friday's celebrations led to police using pepper spray and clearing the square, according to Pittsburgh Public Safety. Ricky Sayer, CBS News, 22 June 2026 He was taken into custody with the help of pepper spray, officials said. Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 22 June 2026 Officers can use voice commands, and if those don’t work options include pepper spray, a baton, a TASER or fire extinguisher, though some are more difficult to use on a fast-moving animal, the directive says. Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026 Overcome with fear, Krug took firearms training and bought a handgun and pepper spray. Faith Karimi, CNN Money, 18 June 2026 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 28 Jun. 2026.

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