pepper spray

noun

an aerosol spray that temporarily irritates the eyes and mucous membranes, used to stun and incapacitate a person or animal:
police use of pepper spray to control rioters.

pepper spray

noun

a defence spray agent derived from hot cayenne peppers, which causes temporary blindness and breathing difficulty, sometimes used to control riots

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Word History and Origins

Origin of pepper spray¹

First recorded in 1985–90; the active ingredient is capsaicin, extracted from capsicum peppers

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

At one point, a security guard used pepper spray on the teens, Benson said.

From

Currently, prison officers are only able to carry an extendable baton and synthetic pepper spray.

From

County and allegations of excessive force against officers concerning their use of pepper spray.

From

They have been largely peaceful, but on Sunday police officers fired water cannons and used pepper spray as clashes unfolded.

From

The student who recorded the October episode said that the day after the incident, she drove to a gas station and bought pepper spray for the first time.

From

pepper spot pepper steak

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