swelter

[ swel-ter ]

verb (used without object)

1. to suffer from oppressive heat.

verb (used with object)

1. to oppress with heat.
2. Archaic. to exude, as venom.

noun

1. a sweltering condition.

swelter

/ ˈswɛltə /

verb

1. intr to suffer under oppressive heat, esp to sweat and feel faint
2. archaic.
   tr to exude (venom)
3. rare.
   tr to cause to suffer under oppressive heat

noun

1. a sweltering condition (esp in the phrase in a swelter )
2. oppressive humid heat

Other Words From

• un·sweltered adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of swelter¹

1375–1425; late Middle English swelt ( e ) ren (v.), equivalent to swelt ( en ) to be overcome with heat ( Old English sweltan to die; cognate with Old Norse svelta, Gothic swiltan ) + -eren -er ⁶

Word History and Origins

Origin of swelter¹

C15 swelten, from Old English sweltan to die; related to Old Norse svelta to starve, Old High German swelzan to burn with passion; see sultry

Example Sentences

Some workers continue to swelter.

From Los Angeles Times

Some workers interviewed by The Times said they continue to swelter.

From Los Angeles Times

But the Central Valley and southeastern California light up like a summer fireworks show when it comes to energy-impacting heat days, the report shows — meaning many people in those areas could suffer from power outages and swelter without air conditioning or other forms of relief.

From Los Angeles Times

They swelter at summer temperatures that eclipse the city average by 8 degrees Fahrenheit and the Catalina Foothills by 12 degrees.

From Salon

People labor six days a week in the tropical swelter, through torrential rains and under the punishing sun.

From New York Times

Related Words

• broil
• sweat
• wilt