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

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

According to The New York Times, the footage shows Guilbeault violently grabbing the driver and spraying the can of pepper spray as the suspect’s friend has her hand over her mouth. —

Nicole Acosta, People.com, 30 Oct. 2024 The Justice Department also reported that Phoenix officers failed to distinguish between peaceful and non-peaceful protesters, used stun bags and pepper spray indiscriminately, and arrested peaceful protesters to deter others. —

Miguel Torres, The Arizona Republic, 10 Oct. 2024 Hoy said that the use of pepper spray has been banned in many youth facilities across the country because of concerns about overuse. —

Laura Schulte, Journal Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2024 Weapons of any kind (no knives or mace/pepper spray of any size). —

Ed Masley, The Arizona Republic, 17 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pepper spray