Sweat as verb Meaning and Definition
Sweat as verb
Pronunciation
/swɛt/
Part of Speech
Verb
Definition
To produce and discharge fluid from the skin’s sweat glands, typically in response to heat, exercise, or emotional stress.
Examples
- After a long run, he sweaty all over.
- She felt overheated and started to sweat profusely.
Etymology
The word “sweat” comes from Old English “swētan”, which is derived from Proto-Germanic “*swihtiz”, and is related to other Germanic languages such as Dutch and German.
Usage Notes
The verb “sweat” can be used in various contexts, such as describing physical activity, emotional stress, or medical conditions.
Cultural References
Sweating has been referenced in popular culture in various ways, such as in music (e.g., the song “Sweat (A La La La La Long)” by Inner Circle), movies (e.g., the iconic sweat-drenched scene in the movie “Apocalypse Now”), and literature (e.g., the character’s sweat-soaked shirts in the novel “To Kill a Mockingbird”).
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “Break a sweat”: to start to feel tired or exhausted
- “Sweat blood”: to work extremely hard or make great efforts
Related Words or Phrases
- Drizzle
- Moisture
- Humidity
Collocations
- Sweat and tears
- Sweat and toil
Frequency of Use
The frequency of using the verb “sweat” in modern language is moderate, with a slight increase in recent years due to its association with fitness and wellness.
Common Misspellings
- Sweate
- Sweit