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
Multiple videos show agents firing pepper spray from their vehicles, throwing protesters to the ground and yanking people out of cars.
—
Christopher Cann, USA Today, 15 Jan. 2026
The crowd that gathered around Molina was later hit with tear gas and pepper spray.
—Natasha Korecki, NBC news, 13 Jan. 2026
Bear spray is a form of pepper spray, often with stronger deterrent levels, used to ward off aggressive bears in the wilderness.
—Todd Feurer, CBS News, 12 Jan. 2026
Arulampalam said the identities of the three are not yet known but the driver and person using pepper spray are suspected to be federal employees.
—Kaitlin McCallum, Hartford Courant, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pepper spray
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Christopher Cann, USA Today, 15 Jan. 2026
The crowd that gathered around Molina was later hit with tear gas and pepper spray.
—Natasha Korecki, NBC news, 13 Jan. 2026
Bear spray is a form of pepper spray, often with stronger deterrent levels, used to ward off aggressive bears in the wilderness.
—Todd Feurer, CBS News, 12 Jan. 2026
Arulampalam said the identities of the three are not yet known but the driver and person using pepper spray are suspected to be federal employees.
—Kaitlin McCallum, Hartford Courant, 9 Jan. 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 19 Jan. 2026.
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