perspire

[per-spahyuhr]

verb (used without object)

perspired, perspiring 

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)

perspired, perspiring 

1. to emit through pores; exude.

perspire

/ pəˈspaɪə /

verb

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

Other Word Forms

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

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

Read more on BBC

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

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

They do not sweat like humans – only perspiring a small amount through the pads on their paws, with their often thick fur coats meaning their core temperature can rise quickly in high temperatures.

Read more on BBC

Then he mopped his perspiring brow with me.

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

Read more on New York Times

Related Words

• secrete