Definition

Noun: A serious medical condition characterized by the failure of the body's temperature-regulating system when exposed to high environmental temperatures, leading to a dangerously elevated core body temperature, confusion, and often loss of consciousness.

Usage

"Heatstroke" is an uncountable noun used to describe the specific, severe condition of heat illness. It is typically used in medical and general contexts to warn about or describe the effects of extreme heat exposure. - It is often preceded by verbs like suffer from, get, or cause. - It can be modified by adjectives like severe or life-threatening.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The hiker was rushed to the hospital after suffering from heatstroke.
  • Prolonged exposure to the sun without hydration can lead to heatstroke.
  • Symptoms of heatstroke include a high body temperature and confusion.

Advanced Usage

• "at risk of heatstroke": in a situation where one is vulnerable to developing the condition.
  • Elderly people are particularly at risk of heatstroke during a heatwave.
• "prevent heatstroke": to take action to stop the condition from occurring.
  • Drinking plenty of water is essential to prevent heatstroke.

Variants and Related Words

• Heat exhaustion (noun): A less severe heat-related illness that can precede heatstroke, characterized by heavy sweating, weakness, and dizziness.
• Sunstroke (noun): Often used synonymously with heatstroke, though it can specifically imply direct exposure to the sun.

Synonyms

• Thermic fever (noun, medical): A less common synonym.
• Hyperthermia (noun, medical): A broader term for an abnormally high body temperature, which is the central feature of heatstroke.

Related Phrases

• "to succumb to the heat": A more general phrase meaning to become ill or overwhelmed by high temperatures, which can result in heatstroke.

Noun

1. collapse caused by exposure to excessive heat