cold sweat

noun

: concurrent perspiration and chill usually associated with fear, pain, or shock

Examples of cold sweat in a Sentence

The patient feels faint and is in a cold sweat. I break out in a cold sweat when I think about asking my boss for a pay raise.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
While most palpitations are relatively harmless, frequent or severe ones can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, light-headedness, chest pains, cold sweats, and fainting.13 5. James Myhre & Dennis Sifris, Md, Verywell Health, 16 Dec. 2024 Kayce is eerily hit with a similar feeling, lying wide awake in bed next to Monica in a cold sweat. Matt Cabral, EW.com, 25 Nov. 2024 Know the classic heart attack symptoms: pain, pressure, aching, tightness or squeezing in the chest; pain that spreads to the shoulder, back, neck, jaw, teeth or upper belly; a cold sweat; fatigue; heartburn or indigestion; lightheadedness or sudden dizziness; nausea; shortness of breath. Nicole Villalpando, Austin American-Statesman, 27 Feb. 2024 Heart attack symptoms can sometimes show up in the arms, back, neck, and jaw, and can bring on shortness of breath, nausea, cold sweats, lightheadedness, and vomiting—all of which are more common among women. Katie Camero, SELF, 17 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for cold sweat 

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cold sweat was in 1582

Dictionary Entries Near cold sweat

Cite this Entry

“Cold sweat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cold%20sweat. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

cold sweat

noun
: perspiration and chill occurring together and usually associated with fear, pain, or shock

Medical Definition

cold sweat

noun
: perspiration accompanied by feelings of chill or cold and usually induced or accompanied by dread, fear, or shock

More from Merriam-Webster on cold sweat

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