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.
On March 11, more than a dozen elementary school students were taken to the hospital after being exposed to pepper spray on a school bus in White Marsh. Brian Carlton, Baltimore Sun, 18 Mar. 2026 At one point during the stop, Baldner deployed pepper spray into the interior of the car, and Tristan Goods sped away. Mike Randall, USA Today, 14 Mar. 2026 The anti-Islam protester accused of using pepper spray was also arrested, and three others were arrested on suspicion of disorderly conduct and obstructing traffic Tisch said. Gloria Pazmino, CNN Money, 10 Mar. 2026 Four other protesters were also arrested, including Ian McGinnis, 21, who was accused of using pepper spray against the counterprotesters. Chad De Guzman, Time, 9 Mar. 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pepper spray.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pepper%20spray. Accessed 26 Mar. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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