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

This linen option comes in 10 colors, and the breathable, naturally temperature-regulating material will keep me comfortable without overheating. —Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 31 May 2026

Anker also says the charger continuously monitors temperature to help prevent overheating and protect your phone’s battery. —Sheena Vasani, The Verge, 29 May 2026

Think cozy cardigans to beat cabin AC, billowy maxi skirts and comfy sneakers for logging serious steps without overheating, and streamlined matching sets that will crown you best-dressed at the airport and in the workplace. —Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 29 May 2026

And late last week about 50,000 people were evacuated in Southern California after a chemical tank overheated and threatened the area with a catastrophic explosion. —Martha Bellisle, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 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