PEPPER SPRAY Definition & Meaning

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

Discover More

�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of pepper spray¹

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

Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

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

There have been increasing clashes with police sent to disperse the demonstrations, who have fired tear gas and pepper spray.

From

With no equipment, no training and no uniform, he said he kept yelling, “Stop fighting” until another staff member broke up the brawl with pepper spray.

From

Police clashed with demonstrators in several places, firing tear gas and pepper spray.

From

Browse