overheat

verb

over·​heat ˌō-vər-ˈhēt How to pronounce overheat (audio)
overheated; overheating; overheats
Synonyms of overheatnext

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Ferguson’s lab once showed that a driver who is cool and hydrated will be a few seconds faster than one who is overheating. — Patrick Iversen, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026 While the camera is reportedly compatible with cards up to 128GB, online reviews noted that with the larger SD cards, the camera seems to overheat and wouldn't function as well. — Jamie Spain, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Sep. 2026 Players can also request a three-minute medical time-out for each injury that occurs — which could include overheating symptoms such as dizziness or cramps. — Aaron Short, Curbed, 3 Sep. 2026 Other advantages of what Belkin is calling its BoostSolid Cell technology include a reduced risk of overheating that could cause swelling or fires and consistent power delivery across a wider temperature range. — Andrew Liszewski, The Verge, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for overheat

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

Rhymes for overheat

See All Rhymes for overheat

Browse Nearby Words

overhear
overheat
overheated
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Overheat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overheat. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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