COLD SWEAT Meaning and
Definition
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Cold sweat is a physiological response characterized by the sudden production of sweat accompanied by a feeling of coldness and clamminess on the skin's surface. It pertains to the occurrence of sweat despite no effort or exertion that typically elicits perspiration. Cold sweat is usually triggered by intense fear, anxiety, or extreme stress, often signaling the body's fight-or-flight response. This reaction stimulates the release of stress hormones like adrenaline, which prompts the body to enter a heightened state of alertness.
The cold sweat response manifests as tiny droplets of sweat appearing on the forehead, neck, or palms, along with a chilling sensation. This condition is attributed to the body's attempt to cool itself down in anticipation of a perceived threat. The sudden onset of sweat, even in cool temperatures, contributes to the perception of coldness and the clammy texture of the skin.
Cold sweat is commonly associated with various situations and medical conditions, including nightmares, panic attacks, intense pain, shock, and some illnesses such as influenza. It is an involuntary bodily reaction that often accompanies feelings of unease, nervousness, or impending danger. The presence of a cold sweat can serve as a useful indicator for individuals to recognize and address stressors or triggers effectively.
Overall, cold sweat refers to the profuse sweating that occurs spontaneously and brings a chilling sensation, typically associated with fear, stress, or anxiety, as part of the body's response to perceived physical or emotional threats.
Common Misspellings for COLD SWEAT
- xold sweat
- vold sweat
- fold sweat
- dold sweat
- cild sweat
- ckld sweat
- clld sweat
- cpld sweat
- c0ld sweat
- c9ld sweat
- cokd sweat
- copd sweat
- cood sweat
- cols sweat
- colx sweat
- colc sweat
- colf sweat
- colr sweat
- cole sweat
Etymology of COLD SWEAT
The word "cold sweat" combines two distinct terms, both with their own etymology:
1. Cold: The word "cold" originated from the Old English word "cald", which meant "not warm" or "lacking in heat". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*kaldaz". Over time, the word evolved in different Germanic languages and eventually became "cold" in English.
2. Sweat: The word "sweat" has a different origin, coming from the Old English word "swætan", meaning "to perspire". This Old English term developed from the Proto-Germanic word "*swaitaną". It is worth noting that the Old English word "swætan" also evolved into "sweot", "swete", and eventually became "sweat" in Modern English.
Idioms with the word COLD SWEAT
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in a cold sweat
The idiom "in a cold sweat" refers to a state of extreme fear, anxiety, or nervousness that causes one's body to become cold and sweaty. It describes a heightened emotional and physiological response to a situation or thought.
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break out in a cold sweat
The idiom "break out in a cold sweat" is used to describe a sudden feeling of extreme anxiety, fear, or nervousness that causes sweating. It implies that the person experiencing this intense emotion is so overwhelmed that they break out in a sweat that feels cold to the touch.
Similar spelling words for COLD SWEAT
- colledge,
- cold snap,
- cold cream,
- cold cash,
- coolidge,
- cold cuts,
- coldest,
- cloudiest,
- cold spell,
- cold storage,
- cold sore,
- cold sober.
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