Perspire

/pərˈspaɪər/

Meaning & Definition

verb
to emit a fluid from the pores of the skin, typically as a result of heat or physical exertion.
She began to perspire after running for several miles.
to sweat.
He tends to perspire heavily during intense workout sessions.
to become visible or apparent through effort; to show signs of stress or anxiety.
After presenting his project, he could feel himself starting to perspire from the pressure.

Etymology

Late Middle English: from Latin 'perspirare', from 'per-' meaning 'through' + 'spirare' meaning 'breathe'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

perspire under pressure:
to sweat due to stress or anxiety
perspiring palms:
to have sweaty hands, often due to nervousness
perspire like a fountain:
to sweat a lot, similar to a fountain's water flow

Related Words

Slang Meanings

to sweat it out
I'm sweating it out waiting for the test results.
break a sweat
He didn't even break a sweat while running the marathon.