DictionaryfaintBrief unconsciousness
verb / noun / adjective

faint

A temporary loss of consciousness from physical weakness.

A runner faints near the finish line on a hot day.

Etymology

The source verb concerned becoming weak or failing. A faint is an episode in which strength and awareness temporarily fail.

More examples

  • I feel faint and need to sit down.
  • She fell to the floor in a faint.
  • He fainted during the blood draw.

Forms

faint · faints · fainted · fainting · fainter · faintest

faintness noun — Physical weakness with possible loss of consciousness.

Similar words

pass out
An informal phrase for fainting or otherwise losing consciousness.
lightheaded
Describes feeling dizzy or unsteady without necessarily losing consciousness.