rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryswelterOppressive heat
verb / noun

swelter

SWEL-ter/ˈsweltər/

Uncomfortably hot conditions or suffering in them.

The man swelters in the summer heat and fans his flushed face.

A middle-aged man sits slumped in oppressive summer heat, his face flushed and sweating, pulling his damp shirt collar away from his neck while fanning himself.
Etymology
sweltOld Englishto die, perish
+erMiddle Englishrepeated or continuing action

The verb meaning “die” narrowed to becoming faint or weak, especially from heat. Its frequentative derivative described being nearly overcome by heat, leading to today's sense of suffering in oppressive heat.

More examples

  • The afternoon swelter drives everyone indoors.
  • Passengers sweltered on the bus when the cooling system failed.
  • While you're sweltering in July, we're enjoying cool mountain air.

Forms

swelter · swelters · sweltered · sweltering

Similar words

bake
Suggests exposure to strong, dry heat, often from sunlight.
heat
Names high temperature generally, without necessarily implying severe discomfort.