Sweltering

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Enduring excessive heat that leads to unease and fatigue
2. Pertaining to an atmosphere marked by oppressive warmth and humidity that drains energy
3. Characterized by an intense and suffocating heat that makes comfort difficult and causes perspiration

Etymology: "Sweltering" is built from "swelter" and the suffix "-ing," which in this case forms an adjective from the verb. The verb "swelter" is the more interesting part of the story: it has long meant to be overcome by heat, and the sense of sweating or suffering under oppressive warmth is the root of the adjective's meaning. Adding "-ing" turns that experience into a description of the air, the day, or the room itself, so a "sweltering" afternoon is one that makes people swelter. The suffix does its usual work here, marking a state or quality produced by an action or condition, much as "-ing" does in "amazing" or "satisfying." Its attachment to "swelter" follows a common English pattern, and the result stays close to the physical sensation of heat it describes.

Synonyms: scorching, sizzling, oppressive

Antonyms: cool, chilly, refreshing