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

Fan Fest officials were warning about overheating earlier in the day and issuing reminders about hydrating, which will continue to be important as fans move to Kansas City (Arrowhead) Stadium. — The Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 12 July 2026

An elderly person, living alone, might succumb to heat exhaustion with no one around to help; a kid who ends up overheated at a summer camp will be tended to by counselors. — Daniel Engber, The Atlantic, 11 July 2026

Certain Tellurides from the 2020-2024 model years are affected, with the NHTSA warning that the front power seat motor of these vehicles may overheat due to a stuck slide knob. — ABC News, 10 July 2026

Several employees overheated and had to be sent home, with some unable to return for nearly a week. — Jack Armstrong, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 10 July 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