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

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

Symptoms of seasickness can include nausea, dizziness, tiredness, and cold sweats. —Megan Dubois, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 May 2024

Also known as hypoglycemia, low blood sugar can result in cold sweats. —Emily Shiffer, Women's Health, 9 Aug. 2023

If the thought of creating a budget sends you into cold sweats, stand in line. —Jasmine Browley, Essence, 19 Jan. 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