Sweat/swet/ Definition 1 of 6Pro Tip 1/3Physical Exertion Used when discussing exercise, hot weather, or any physical activity causing sweating. During the marathon, her face was full of sweat. Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Expression Sweat can indicate stress or fear, often used in expressions about being nervous. He was in a cold sweat before the speech. Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal Sometimes 'sweat' isn't literal, but means to put in effort, like in phrases about working hard. She didn't sweat the technique and nailed it.