overheat

verb

over·​heat ˌō-vər-ˈhēt 

overheated; overheating; overheats

transitive verb

1

: to heat to excess

2

: to stimulate or agitate unduly

intransitive verb

: to become heated beyond a safe or desirable point

Examples of overheat in a Sentence

I overheated the food in the microwave.

Be careful not to overheat the engine.

Recent Examples on the Web

However, Tesla sued the company after the automaker’s testing found that the adapter could overheat. — Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 2 Oct. 2026

This pick is made from a cotton-silk blend that keeps your arms warm without overheating. — Anna Traver, InStyle, 29 Sep. 2026

North Korea's rhetoric is often overheated and its criticism of rivals often over the top. — ABC News, 28 Sep. 2026

Check between presses to avoid overheating or scorching the fabric. — Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 26 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for overheat

• bittersweet
• incomplete
• indiscreet
• marguerite
• obsolete
• overeat
• parakeet
• stillingfleet
• superheat
• amit
• athlete
• backseat