heatstroke

noun

heat·​stroke ˈhēt-ˌstrōk How to pronounce heatstroke (audio)
: a life-threatening condition marked especially by cessation of sweating, extremely high body temperature, and collapse that results from prolonged exposure to high temperature compare heat exhaustion, sunstroke

Examples of heatstroke in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Over the past 25 years, nearly 1,000 kids have died of heatstroke because they were left or became trapped in a hot car, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Commission which has a campaign to prevent heatstroke. Eileen Ogintz, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2023 Exposure to extreme heat can damage the central nervous system, the brain and other vital organs, and the effects can set in with terrifying speed, resulting in heat exhaustion, heat cramps or heatstroke. Terri Adams-Fuller, Scientific American, 15 June 2023 One 16-year-old camper, Kristen Chase, died of heatstroke while at Challenger. Jaden Thompson, Variety, 2 Jan. 2024 Her uncle died from heatstroke while washing his car. Gavin Butler Matthew Abbott, New York Times, 20 Dec. 2023 If a child has suffered a heatstroke, they should be placed in a cool environment and in a bath of cool water. Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2023 On July 11, a man in his forties collapsed and died in Italy while working outdoors, according to local media, and there have been multiple reports of heatstroke in the country. Chris Baraniuk, WIRED, 14 July 2023 Fortunately, if a heatstroke is treated early, recovery is likely. Akshay Syal, M.d., NBC News, 14 July 2023 The stepfather of a recruit training with the Mississippi National Guard is asking why military personnel forced his stepson to exercise in blistering temperatures last month, leading to heatstroke and a coma. Antonio Planas, NBC News, 22 Sep. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'heatstroke.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1874, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of heatstroke was in 1874

Dictionary Entries Near heatstroke

Cite this Entry

“Heatstroke.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heatstroke. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

heatstroke

noun
heat·​stroke ˈhēt-ˌstrōk How to pronounce heatstroke (audio)
: a condition marked especially by the stopping of sweating, a high body temperature, and exhaustion that results from exposure to high temperature for a long time compare sunstroke

Medical Definition

heatstroke

noun
heat·​stroke ˈhēt-ˌstrōk How to pronounce heatstroke (audio)
: a life-threatening condition characterized by cessation of sweating with inadequate elimination of body heat, extremely high temperature, rapid pulse, hot dry skin, flaccid muscles, delirium, collapse, and coma and resulting from prolonged exposure to high environmental temperature which causes a dysfunction of the temperature-regulating mechanism of the body see sunstroke compare heat exhaustion

More from Merriam-Webster on heatstroke

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!