antiperspirant: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Neutral to formal; common in everyday and commercial contexts.
Quick answer
What does “antiperspirant” mean?
A substance applied to the skin, typically under the arms, to reduce or prevent sweating.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A substance applied to the skin, typically under the arms, to reduce or prevent sweating.
A personal hygiene product designed to inhibit perspiration and often containing aluminium salts or other active ingredients that temporarily block sweat glands. It is distinct from deodorants, which primarily address odour.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant semantic difference. Spelling is consistent. The abbreviation 'anti-perspirant' with a hyphen is occasionally seen but less common.
Connotations
None. The word is purely functional.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “antiperspirant” in a Sentence
[Subject] uses/applies [antiperspirant][Antiperspirant] contains [ingredient][Antiperspirant] helps to prevent/control/reduce [sweat/perspiration]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “antiperspirant” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The antiperspirant properties of the lotion were being tested.
American English
- She prefers an antiperspirant formula to a simple deodorant.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In marketing and product descriptions for personal care items.
Academic
In dermatology or cosmetic chemistry papers discussing active ingredients and efficacy.
Everyday
Commonly used when discussing personal hygiene and shopping for toiletries.
Technical
Used precisely to differentiate products that block sweat glands from those that merely mask odour.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “antiperspirant”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “antiperspirant”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “antiperspirant”
- Confusing 'antiperspirant' with 'deodorant'. Using it as a verb (e.g., 'I will antiperspirant').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Antiperspirants contain active ingredients (like aluminium salts) that temporarily block sweat glands to reduce wetness. Deodorants work by neutralising odour or killing bacteria, but do not significantly reduce sweat flow.
Regulatory bodies like the FDA and EMA consider aluminium-based antiperspirants safe for use. Concerns about links to health issues have been extensively studied, with mainstream science finding no conclusive evidence of harm from typical use.
For maximum effectiveness, apply to clean, dry skin, ideally at night before bed when sweat glands are less active, allowing the formula to properly form a barrier.
Yes, some antiperspirants, particularly those with aluminium salts, can cause yellow stains on white fabrics. Look for 'stain-free' formulas or allow the product to dry completely before dressing.
A substance applied to the skin, typically under the arms, to reduce or prevent sweating.
Antiperspirant is usually neutral to formal; common in everyday and commercial contexts. in register.
Antiperspirant: in British English it is pronounced /ˌæn.tiˈpɜː.spɪ.rənt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌæn.t̬iˈpɝː.spɚ.ənt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: ANTI-PERSPIRATION. It's ANTI (against) PERSPIRANT (sweating).
Conceptual Metaphor
A SHIELD or BLOCKADE against sweat/perspiration.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of an antiperspirant?