heatstroke

American  

[heet-strohk] / ˈhitˌstroʊk /

noun

heatstrokes plural

1. a disturbance of the temperature-regulating mechanisms of the body caused by overexposure to excessive heat, resulting in fever, hot and dry skin, and rapid pulse, sometimes progressing to delirium and coma.

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heatstroke British  

/ ˈhiːtˌstrəʊk /

noun

1. a condition resulting from prolonged exposure to intense heat, characterized by high fever and in severe cases convulsions and coma See sunstroke

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• heatstrokes
  plural

Etymology

Origin of heatstroke

First recorded in 1870–75; heat + stroke ¹

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

heatstroke heatstrokes

The agency has issued heatstroke alerts in 41 out of Japan's 47 prefectures, urging the public -- especially the many elderly -- to take steps to stay cool.

From Barron's ● Jul. 22, 2026

He urged people to stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activities during the heat of the day and to stay aware of symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 13, 2026

The most common symptoms of heatstroke are when a person becomes confused, and when they stop sweating and their skin feels dry and hot to the touch.

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 30, 2026

It can subsequently turn into heatstroke, external, which is a medical emergency.

From BBC ● Jun. 26, 2026

In the scorching April heat, many older people become ill from heatstroke and dehydration, but they dare not rest.

From "First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers" by Loung Ung

Last year, the number of people who suffered heatstrokes at their workplaces reached a record 1,803, said a report by news outlet Kyodo.

From BBC ● Jul. 22, 2026