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

During heatwaves, the added strain on our hearts can cause our blood pressure to lower, which combined with the loss of fluids and salt from sweating, can lead to heat exhaustion.

From BBC ● Jul. 8, 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

At first, I thought he just had heat exhaustion or something.

From "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" by Sherman Alexie