pepper spray

noun

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

Examples of pepper spray in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web At one protest Saturday evening in Mitte, German media reported that police used pepper spray to disperse a crowd unwilling to leave once the protest had ended. — Fox News, 29 Aug. 2021 Officers used pepper spray on several people, saying in a statement they were left with no choice. — BostonGlobe.com, 21 Aug. 2021 The woman’s female friend, 20, of Shaker Heights, was also in the room and used pepper spray to get the man off his girlfriend. — cleveland, 28 July 2021 Deputies used pepper spray and covered Scott’s face with a spit mask, which authorities have said fit over his head. — From Usa Today Network And Wire Reports, USA TODAY, 25 June 2021 Deputies used pepper spray and covered Scott's face with a spit mask, which authorities have said fit over his head. — Chron, 23 June 2021 Deputies used pepper spray and covered Scott’s face with a spit mask, which authorities have said fit over his head. — NBC News, 23 June 2021 The friend used pepper spray on Torres beforeArizona Department of Public Safety troopers arrived on the scene. — Michael Donohue, The Arizona Republic, 3 June 2021 When an officer first tried to take his arm, Lowe flailed about and then an officer used pepper spray on Lowe, who responded by punching the officer in the face and then took off running. — Bruce Vielmetti, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 11 May 2021

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.

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Dictionary Entries Near pepper spray

pepper shaker

pepper spray

pepper steak

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Last Updated

13 Oct 2021

Cite this Entry

“Pepper spray.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pepper%20spray. Accessed 24 Oct. 2021.

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More Definitions for pepper spray

pepper spray

noun

English Language Learners Definition of pepper spray

: 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

See the full definition for pepper spray in the English Language Learners Dictionary