heat exhaustion

American  

noun

1. a condition characterized by faintness, rapid pulse, nausea, profuse sweating, cool skin, and collapse, caused by prolonged exposure to heat accompanied by loss of adequate fluid and salt from the body.

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heat exhaustion British  

noun

1. Also called: heat prostration.  a condition resulting from exposure to intense heat, characterized by dizziness, abdominal cramp, and prostration Compare heatstroke

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Etymology

Origin of heat exhaustion

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

heat exhaustion

Several passengers were treated for heat exhaustion and difficulty breathing, ABC7 reported, citing fire officials.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 19, 2026

This is a typical callout for the ambulance crew in South West England, who in one of Britain's longest-lasting heatwaves, are tending to cases from heat exhaustion to stroke patients.

From BBC ● Jul. 10, 2026

Paramedics meanwhile carted away a young woman suffering from apparent heat exhaustion.

From Barron's ● Jul. 3, 2026

During a heat wave, there are three conditions to watch out for: dehydration; heat exhaustion, which can be characterized by headaches and nausea; and the more serious heatstroke.

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 30, 2026

This is twenty-four days of heat, exhaustion, and monotony.

From "A Heart in a Body in the World" by Deb Caletti