perspire

[ per-spahyuhr ]

verb (used without object)

, per·spired, per·spir·ing.

1. to secrete a salty, watery fluid from the sweat glands of the skin, especially when very warm as a result of strenuous exertion; sweat.

verb (used with object)

, per·spired, per·spir·ing.

1. to emit through pores; exude.

perspire

/ pəˈspaɪə /

verb

1. to secrete or exude (perspiration) through the pores of the skin

Derived Forms

• perˈspiringly, adverb

Other Words From

• per·spira·bili·ty noun
• per·spira·ble adjective
• per·spiring·ly adverb
• per·spiry adjective
• unper·spired adjective
• unper·spiring adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of perspire¹

1640–50; < Latin perspīrāre to blow constantly (said of the wind), breathe through; in New Latin: to sweat imperceptibly. See per-, inspire

Word History and Origins

Origin of perspire¹

C17: from Latin perspīrāre to blow, from per- (through) + spīrāre to breathe; compare inspire

Example Sentences

He couldn’t have been sweating on the dancefloor because an “overdose of adrenaline’’ during his time as a helicopter pilot in the 1982 Falklands War had left him unable to perspire.

From Seattle Times

Your nose will perspire and you will feel compelled to touch it.

From New York Times

Scientists believe that if you perspire more during the later questions, then you are lying.

From Encyclopedia.com

The whole concept behind the machine is that people will perspire more while telling a lie.

From Encyclopedia.com

When you perspire, the sweat on your skin can pull heat from your body as it evaporates.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• secrete