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
An internal affairs investigation has been launched after San Diego police clashed with several people in the Gaslamp Quarter early Sunday, deploying Tasers and pepper spray as violent fights broke out amid a large crowd, police officials said.
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Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2026
Police used tear gas, rubber bullets, and pepper spray to repel them.
—Wcco Staff, CBS News, 14 May 2026
Police Chief Chris Dennison, who assumed the job in September 2024, has overseen an expansion in the use of pepper ball launchers, which fire paintball-like munitions filled with PAVA, a synthetic chemical irritant similar to pepper spray.
—Idaho Statesman, 13 May 2026
The French police used tear gas and pepper spray on supporters, who were also robbed and attacked by local gangs.
—James Pearce, New York Times, 12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for pepper spray
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Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2026
Police used tear gas, rubber bullets, and pepper spray to repel them.
—Wcco Staff, CBS News, 14 May 2026
Police Chief Chris Dennison, who assumed the job in September 2024, has overseen an expansion in the use of pepper ball launchers, which fire paintball-like munitions filled with PAVA, a synthetic chemical irritant similar to pepper spray.
—Idaho Statesman, 13 May 2026
The French police used tear gas and pepper spray on supporters, who were also robbed and attacked by local gangs.
—James Pearce, New York Times, 12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for pepper spray
Cite this Entry
“Pepper spray.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pepper%20spray. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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