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

This personal safety alarm is one of shoppers’ favorite accessories to travel with since it can be packed for international travel (unlike pepper spray) and can be clipped to a bag or keychain for easy access in an emergency. —Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 27 Nov. 2025

Officers used a Taser and pepper spray to subdue Pratt while arresting him, according to court documents. —Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 26 Nov. 2025

Law enforcement deployed pepper spray and projectiles. —Mara H. Gottfried, Twin Cities, 26 Nov. 2025

Just days after the pepper spray incident, a video circulated showing people outside the Portland ICE facility wearing inflatable bear, unicorn, dinosaur and raccoon costumes, dancing to raucous music in front of a line of law enforcement officers clad in riot gear. —Anya M. Galli Robertson, The Conversation, 21 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1979, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for pepper spray

• aaa
• adonais
• alleyway
• alumnae
• anime
• anyway
• arete
• attache
• baa
• beaujolais
• bouvier
• breakaway