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

Plus, much like Hudson’s, this little number is also off-the-shoulder and has eyelet details that A) look similar to crochet patterns and B) will prevent overheating at the pool, on the patio, and more. — Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 18 July 2026

Heat exhaustion is a condition that results from your body overheating. — Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado updated July 17, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2026

The group notes that people using that option should use newer box fans, and be sure the motor is clean to reduce the risk of overheating. — Bill Chappell, NPR, 17 July 2026

Be mindful in warm weather, as the dog’s dense coat increases the risk of overheating. — Tanya Edwards, USA Today, 16 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