overheat

verb

over·​heat ˌō-vər-ˈhēt How to pronounce overheat (audio)
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 YouTube-ready The hallmark of a decent YouTube-capable video camera is its ability to record for long periods without overheating or shutting down. Dan Bracaglia, wsj.com, 25 Nov. 2023 The American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines recommend that infants sleep only on flat surfaces that are not inclined and avoid soft bedding, which can cause overheating or pose a serious suffocation risk. Phoebe Sklansky, Parents, 25 Nov. 2023 For those who sleep warm or suffer from overheating while sleeping, a cooling comforter is necessary. Andrea Wurzburger, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Nov. 2023 This set is for anyone who wants to stay warm but feels restricted or overheated when their legs are covered for the entire trip. Kristine Solomon, Travel + Leisure, 17 Nov. 2023 For those who decide to try warming their feet before bed, Luo emphasized the importance of avoiding discomfort or injuries from overheating. Melissa Rudy, Fox News, 11 Oct. 2023 The company said the new device set-up could overwork the processor and lead to overheating. Mark Gurman, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2023 Those materials are ideal for feeling warm and cozy without overheating or feeling sweaty, as the materials are naturally breathable and odor-resistant. Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 26 Oct. 2023 And then there was the time my dog, Maggie May, and I got overheated on Strawberry Peak. Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'overheat.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of overheat was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near overheat

Cite this Entry

“Overheat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overheat. Accessed 9 Dec. 2023.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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