heatstroke

noun

heat·​stroke ˈhēt-ˌstrōk 

: a life-threatening condition marked especially by cessation of sweating, extremely high body temperature, and collapse that results from prolonged exposure to high temperature compare heat exhaustion, sunstroke

Examples of heatstroke in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Heatwaves drive heatstroke, dehydration, and other health conditions; rising air pollution from haze causes respiratory conditions; floods and natural disasters cause injury while disrupting the day-to-day operations of hospitals and clinics. — Mitch New, Fortune, 30 Sep. 2026

In 2018, Maryland football player Jordan McNair suffered an exertional heatstroke during a football conditioning workout. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 30 Sep. 2026

Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are two common health effects that occur when an individual is unable to regulate their temperature. — Rebecca Smullin Dawson, The Conversation, 25 Sep. 2026

No sweating, throbbing headache and skin that’s hot, red and dry are signs of heatstroke. — Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1874, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for heatstroke

• awoke
• baroque
• bespoke
• colloque
• convoke
• evoke
• invoke
• keystroke
• kinfolk
• kinsfolk
• menfolk
• provoke

Kids Definition

heatstroke

noun

heat·​stroke ˈhēt-ˌstrōk 

: a condition marked especially by the stopping of sweating, a high body temperature, and exhaustion that results from exposure to high temperature for a long time compare sunstroke

Medical Definition

heatstroke

noun

heat·​stroke ˈhēt-ˌstrōk 

: a life-threatening condition characterized by cessation of sweating with inadequate elimination of body heat, extremely high temperature, rapid pulse, hot dry skin, flaccid muscles, delirium, collapse, and coma and resulting from prolonged exposure to high environmental temperature which causes a dysfunction of the temperature-regulating mechanism of the body see sunstroke compare heat exhaustion