heatstroke

[ heet-strohk ]

/ ˈhitˌstroʊk /

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noun

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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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of heatstroke

First recorded in 1870–75; heat + stroke¹

Words nearby heatstroke

heat reservoir, heat-seal, heat-seeking, heat shield, heat sink, heatstroke, heat-treat, heat up, heat wave, heaume, heave

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use heatstroke in a sentence

Where other animals would have to stop, to avoid heatstroke, we could keep going, stalking prey during the heat of the day.
A Self-Professed Sweater Explores the Science Behind Stink|klindsey|July 28, 2021|Outside Online
Several people died of heatstroke in Snohomish County, while others in the western part of the state were found dead in their apartments because of heat-related stress, officials said.
Historic heat wave in Pacific Northwest has killed hundreds in U.S. and Canada over the past week|Timothy Bella|July 1, 2021|Washington Post
In the throes of heatstroke, your internal temperature may spike above 105°F, but if you’re alone—victims often are—you’ll have gone cold by the time someone finds you.
Heat is the silent killer we should all be worried about|Rachel Feltman|June 29, 2021|Popular-Science
Around 26% of all heatstroke deaths of children in vehicles occur when a child gains access on their own, and gets trapped.
PM Update: Wonderful weather continues through Wednesday|Ian Livingston|June 15, 2021|Washington Post

McNair, a 19-year-old football player, died in June 2018 after the Maryland medical staff failed to treat him properly after he suffered exertional heatstroke during a team workout.
Maryland approves $3.5 million settlement over Jordan McNair’s death|Emily Giambalvo, Rick Maese|January 27, 2021|Washington Post
In hot weather, dizziness is a first warning sign of heat exhaustion, which can lead to heatstroke.
When You Don't Know Where to Turn|Steven J. Bartlett
When a person falls with sunstroke (or heatstroke) he should at once be carried to a cool, shady place.
Alcohol: A Dangerous and Unnecessary Medicine, How and Why|Martha M. Allen

British Dictionary definitions for heatstroke

heatstroke

/ (ˈhiːtˌstrəʊk) /

noun

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012