Definition

A serious condition that occurs when the body overheats, often due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures, leading to symptoms like high body temperature and loss of sweating.

Example

After spending hours in the sun without water, he suffered from heatstroke and needed medical attention.

Conversation

Have you heard about the dangers of heatstroke during the summer?

Yeah, I read that it can happen if you’re outside for too long without water.

Exactly! I always make sure to stay hydrated when it’s really hot.

Good idea! No one wants to deal with heatstroke.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Heatstroke is formed from "heat" (from Old English "hætu", meaning warmth or high temperature) and "stroke" (from Old English "strōc", meaning a sudden impact or blow). The term describes a sudden and severe reaction to excessive heat exposure, akin to a blow to the body from heat.

Memory Tip

Think of 'heat' as the warmth affecting the body and 'stroke' as a sudden impact — heatstroke is like a sudden impact from extreme heat on the body.

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