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.
The more likely explanation was an excessive use of pepper spray, experts told the Star-Telegram. Cody Copeland, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 May 2025 The Juvenile Justice Commission has repeatedly flagged the use of pepper spray to break up fights at East Mesa. Kelly Davis, Mercury News, 19 May 2025 The suspect was carrying eight pepper spray canisters and two smoke cannisters. Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 7 May 2025 Take Out Your Contact Lenses If you're exposed to tear gas or pepper spray, contacts will make the experience much worse. Louryn Strampe, Wired News, 9 Apr. 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 3 Jun. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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