pepper spray

American  

noun

1. 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.

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pepper spray British  

noun

1. 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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Etymology

Origin of pepper spray

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

Example Sentences

Joseph Robert Fisher is accused of pushing a chair into a Capitol police officer inside the building as the officer was running after another rioter who deployed pepper spray, according to court documents.

From Seattle Times

All in all, it seems to me that the Bible would perhaps support a hefty supply of pepper spray.

From Salon

Video taken at the time showed officers using tear gas and pepper spray on protesters who had gathered minutes earlier.

From New York Times

Some of the plaintiffs cited lingering injuries and health effects due to tear gas, pepper spray, rubber bullets and the zip-ties used in their arrests.

From Seattle Times

His attorneys say he was also struck with handcuffs, rings of jail keys and pepper spray cannisters.

From Seattle Times