overheat

[ oh-ver-heet ]

verb (used with object)

1. to heat to excess.
2. to excite or agitate; make vehement:

   a crowd overheated by rabble-rousers.

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

/ 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

noun

1. the condition of being overheated

Word History and Origins

Origin of overheat¹

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

Example Sentences

You can't blame voters for getting a little overheated in their rhetoric during the election season and moving on with their lives in the interregnum.

From Salon

Fernando Alonso, celebrating his 400th grand prix, retired early on with overheating brakes.

From BBC

Because Pirelli tyres overheat if they are pushed hard, drivers have been managing their pace in races for years.

From BBC

Strange and complicated rhythm structures and overheated harmonies, along with mystic bird calls in the piano all bespeak the magic of his young love.

From Los Angeles Times

In June, a coroner also called for government action after the death of a man whose home caught fire when an e-bike battery pack he was charging overheated and ignited.

From BBC