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

Complaints about poor conditions were often ignored or met with violence, including late-night beatings and pepper spray, detainees said. — Churchill Ndonwie, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 July 2026

One bystander used pepper spray on him in an effort to keep him away from people. — Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 13 July 2026

Complaints about poor conditions were often ignored or met with violence, including late-night beatings and pepper spray, detainees said. — Miami Herald, 10 July 2026

Court papers further state that shortly thereafter, without giving any additional commands to Houseton, Kirk sprayed her twice in the face with pepper spray. — City News Service, Daily News, 7 July 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