Synonyms

perspire

American

[per-spahyuhr] / pərˈspaɪər /

verb (used without object)

perspired, perspiring

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)

perspired, perspiring

to emit through pores; exude.

perspire British

/ pəˈspaɪə /

verb

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

perspirability noun
perspirable adjective
perspiringly adverb
perspiry adjective
unperspired adjective
unperspiring adjective

Etymology

Origin of perspire

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Its second season concluded last Tuesday with a perspiring Woods making a TV ratings-boosting appearance in the finals.

From BBC

Theo repeats, scanning the packed parlor as if a secret remote nook will somehow appear between the perspiring bodies.

From Literature

The mere sight of a police officer or a judge was enough to make him perspire with anxiety.

From Literature

Then, singer Adele announced on stage in Las Vegas in 2023 that she had contracted a fungal infection as a result of perspiring.

From BBC

The beleaguered bride, in her dress, perspired through her makeup on a warm afternoon.

From The Wall Street Journal

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023