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 Even better, the breathable upper will keep your feet from overheating. Jennifer Heimlich, SELF, 26 Oct. 2024 Its extensive coil system helped push air throughout the bed, while its cooling cover regulated the mattress’s surface temperature to help keep us from overheating. Ashley Zlatopolsky, Architectural Digest, 25 Oct. 2024 The innermost layer is a set of full-body long-johns, shot through with tubing that carries cool water from neck to toes to prevent the astronauts from overheating in the raw sunlight. Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 18 Oct. 2024 Avoid contact with the high voltage battery especially if a vehicle is showing signs of a damaged or overheating HV battery. Kate Gibson, CBS News, 9 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for overheat 

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 5 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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