pepper spray

noun

Updated on: 19 Apr 2018

Definition of pepper spray

: 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

See pepper spray defined for English-language learners

Examples of pepper spray in a Sentence

The police used pepper spray to bring the suspect under control.

Recent Examples of pepper spray from the Web

Use of force reports cover a range of contact between troopers and suspects, including things like wrestling someone to the ground or using pepper spray.

— john wisely, Detroit Free Press, "Ex-Michigan State Police trooper in ATV taser death repeatedly reprimanded for violations," 16 Apr. 2018
The episode on Thursday involved two men battling over seating aboard a crowded train — with one of them using pepper spray.

— al baker, New York Times, "Subway Boss to Police: Don’t Shut Service for Fights," 13 Apr. 2018
Arteaga continued to kick and attempt to hit deputies even after one of the deputies used pepper spray on him, officials said.

— anna beahm, AL.com, "Suspect kicks out back window of Limestone County deputy's patrol vehicle," 10 Apr. 2018
For instance, the city reached a $5.1 million settlement with the family of Victoria Snelgrove, the Emerson college junior who died in 2004 after being shot by a pepper spray projectile fired by a Boston police officer.

— milton j. valencia, BostonGlobe.com, "Boston reaches $5 million settlement with family of boy who drowned at Carson Beach," 10 Apr. 2018
At one point, an officer used pepper spray to try to restore order.

— Fox News, "Police shut down Maryland carnival, use pepper spray," 2 Apr. 2018
Emmy Gilbert was booked into the Deschutes County Jail on suspicion of second- and fourth-degree assault, second-degree criminal mischief, unlawful use of a weapon, reckless driving and unlawful use of pepper spray.

— everton bailey jr., OregonLive.com, "Bend woman hits father with car, pepper spray, authorities say," 2 Apr. 2018
During the vote on the more than 1,500-page bill, police engaged in brief but intense clashes with rock-throwing demonstrators and used pepper spray to disperse them.

— derek gatopoulos, The Seattle Times, "Greeks face more pain, protests as bailout nears end," 15 Jan. 2018
One officer used pepper spray in an attempt to quell the disturbance.

— christina tkacik, baltimoresun.com, "Large fight breaks out at carnival on Eastpoint Mall grounds Sunday," 1 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pepper spray.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of pepper spray

1979

in the meaning defined above

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PEPPER SPRAY Defined for English Language Learners

pepper spray

noun

Definition of pepper spray for English Language Learners

: a substance made from a chemical found in peppers that causes temporary blindness and pain to the nose, throat, and skin when it is sprayed on someone