heatstroke

American  

[heet-strohk] / ˈhitˌstroʊk /

noun

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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Etymology

Origin of heatstroke

First recorded in 1870–75; heat + stroke ¹

Example Sentences

In August 2011, three high-school players in Georgia and Florida died of heatstroke.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 16, 2026

Beyond immediate effects such as heatstroke and dehydration, heat contributes to a broad range of potentially deadly health problems, including heart attacks, strokes and respiratory conditions.

From Barron's • Dec. 17, 2025

According to the PDSA, symptoms of heatstroke include:

From BBC • Aug. 12, 2025

Isabel described a recent incident of a woman on her crew who appeared to be suffering from heatstroke.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 25, 2025

I was thinking seriously of heatstroke when I heard Mary Alice shriek in the kitchen.

From "A Long Way from Chicago" by Richard Peck