overheat

American  

[oh-ver-heet] / ˌoʊ vərˈhit /

verb (used with object)

1. to heat to excess.

2. to excite or agitate; make vehement.

   a crowd overheated by rabble-rousers.

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verb (used without object)

1. to become overheated.

   a stove that overheats alarmingly; a temper that overheats with little provocation.

noun

1. the state or condition of being overheated; excessive heat, agitation, or vehemence.

overheat British  

/ ˌəʊvəˈhiːt /

verb

1. to make or become excessively hot

2. (tr; often passive) to make very agitated, irritated, etc

3. (intr) (of an economy) to tend towards inflation, often as a result of excessive growth in demand

4. (tr) to cause (an economy) to tend towards inflation

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noun

1. the condition of being overheated

Etymology

Origin of overheat

First recorded in 1350–1400, overheat is from the Middle English word overheten. See over-, heat

Example Sentences

As ocean temperatures climb, these species are more likely to overheat, which could shrink their habitable range and push them toward cooler regions closer to the poles.

From Science Daily • Apr. 18, 2026

Weak data suggest a case for rate cuts, but wealthier consumers drive the majority of spending and apparently aren’t feeling constrained—meaning lower borrowing costs could overheat the economy.

From Barron's • Feb. 11, 2026

The added public demand gave the economy critical support in the years after the pandemic, but that has now combined with stronger private demand to overheat the economy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 4, 2026

You can also use electric blankets or heated throws on a timer function to ensure they don't overheat.

From BBC • Nov. 19, 2025

Fanning the smoke aside, she muttered, “I’ve never seen it overheat like this.”

From "Sir Fig Newton and the Science of Persistence" by Sonja Thomas