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.
Ellis' orders compel agents to give warnings before using chemical agents such as pepper spray and limit using physical force to instances where agents face immediate harm. Michael Loria, USA Today, 28 Oct. 2025 Officers recovered a canister of pepper spray during a search following his arrest. Isabelle Friedman, Boston Herald, 28 Oct. 2025 Weapons of any kind (no knives or mace/pepper spray of any size). Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 27 Oct. 2025 Protesters can be heard yelling as the confrontation unfolds, and pepper spray is deployed. Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 26 Oct. 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 5 Nov. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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