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.
Chris McGrath / Getty Images While the protests have largely gone off without incident, some have turned violent, with demonstrators throwing stones, fireworks and other objects at riot police and officers deploying water cannons, tear gas and pepper spray. Chantal Da Silva, NBC news, 25 Mar. 2025 Gierek also provided the man tape, pepper spray and a taser for the task, per the release. Rhiannon Saegert, Kansas City Star, 14 Feb. 2025 Items such as pepper spray, brass knuckles, and stun guns, which are prohibited in carry-on luggage. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025 The lawsuit claims cops began kettling the protesters and doused them with pepper spray. Graham Rayman, New York Daily News, 10 Mar. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Pepper spray.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pepper%20spray. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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