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
Though law enforcement agencies consider pepper spray less lethal, more research is needed to assess its safety.
—
Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 25 Feb. 2026
Each was equipped with a 9-millimetre Glock handgun, a bulletproof vest, handcuffs, and pepper spray.
—Elizabeth Flock, New Yorker, 23 Feb. 2026
In a letter to parents, Corliss Principal Evajamania Vondalisa Brown said there was a fight inside the school on Monday morning, when someone released pepper spray.
—Todd Feurer, CBS News, 23 Feb. 2026
Court documents report two adults were also hit in the face with pepper spray at the home and the act was intentional.
—Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pepper spray
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.
Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 25 Feb. 2026
Each was equipped with a 9-millimetre Glock handgun, a bulletproof vest, handcuffs, and pepper spray.
—Elizabeth Flock, New Yorker, 23 Feb. 2026
In a letter to parents, Corliss Principal Evajamania Vondalisa Brown said there was a fight inside the school on Monday morning, when someone released pepper spray.
—Todd Feurer, CBS News, 23 Feb. 2026
Court documents report two adults were also hit in the face with pepper spray at the home and the act was intentional.
—Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 19 Feb. 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 27 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
