heatstroke

noun

heat·​stroke ˈhēt-ˌstrōk 

: 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

No sweating, throbbing headache and skin that’s hot, red and dry are signs of heatstroke. — Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Aug. 2026

While less than nine people during the last seven years died directly from heat, getting too hot can cause heatstroke and exacerbate chronic issues like heart and respiratory diseases, according to the health department. — Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 22 Aug. 2026

Officials urge residents to limit time outdoors, stay hydrated, and be aware of the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. — Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026

The deaths, attorney Tom Ford said, are preventable, tragic accidents, but despite years of advocacy from various safety organizations, an average of 37 children still die of vehicular heatstroke every year. — Andre Butso, AJC.com, 11 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1874, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for heatstroke

• awoke
• baroque
• bespoke
• colloque
• convoke
• evoke
• invoke
• keystroke
• kinfolk
• kinsfolk
• menfolk
• provoke

Kids Definition

heatstroke

noun

heat·​stroke ˈhēt-ˌstrōk 

: 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 

: 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