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

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

Her breathing grew ragged, and cold sweat oozed from her armpits. —Haruki Murakami, The New Yorker, 1 July 2024

With a little planning, there’s no need to break into a cold sweat over getting insufferably sweaty this summer. —Angela Haupt, TIME, 17 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined above

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