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

Prevents nutrient loss from overheating, a top concern for breastfeeding parents. —Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 12 Nov. 2025

It’s earned over 77,000 five-star ratings and is made from 100 percent microfiber that feels soft to the touch and keeps you warm without overheating. —Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 12 Nov. 2025

The thick, cushioned sole keeps my feet cozy and blister-free, while the breathable fabric wicks moisture to prevent overheating on sunny hikes. —Ariana Dickson, Travel + Leisure, 6 Nov. 2025

The bus fire that came days before the election captured the state of her campaign, overheated, off-course, and unable to recover. —Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 6 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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

Rhymes for overheat

• bittersweet
• celestite
• incomplete
• indiscreet
• marguerite
• obsolete
• overeat
• parakeet
• stillingfleet
• superheat
• amit
• athlete