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

Each pad has more than 200 ventilation holes to boost airflow around your bust to prevent you from overheating. — Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 2026

Thankfully, there are plenty of transitional pieces that ease you into the new season without overheating, and a lightweight long-sleeve top is one of them. — Kate Boswell, Southern Living, 18 Sep. 2026

Modern microchips throttle their performance due to overheating. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 18 Sep. 2026

The interiors are fitted with memory foam insoles for supreme cushioning with every step, and the mesh outers will keep your feet cool and comfortable without overheating. — Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 17 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