heatstroke: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Heat exhaustion is a milder condition with symptoms like heavy sweating, weakness, and nausea. Heatstroke is severe and life-threatening, characterized by a high body temperature (>40°C/104°F) and central nervous system dysfunction (confusion, seizures, loss of consciousness). Heatstroke requires immediate emergency medical attention.

Yes. While direct sun exposure is a major risk factor, heatstroke can occur in any hot environment, especially if it is humid and there is poor ventilation, such as inside a parked car, a factory, or a poorly air-conditioned building during a heatwave.

Yes, 'heat stroke' is a common variant spelling. However, in modern medical and general usage, the closed compound 'heatstroke' is increasingly standard, similar to 'sunstroke'. Both are understood.

Call emergency services immediately. While waiting, move the person to a cool place, remove excess clothing, and cool them rapidly using any available method (e.g., cool water spray, fanning, ice packs in armpits/groin). Do not give them fluids to drink if they are confused or unconscious.

A serious medical condition caused by the body overheating, typically as a result of prolonged exposure to or physical exertion in high temperatures.

Heatstroke is usually medical/technical, everyday (in warm climates) in register.

Heatstroke: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhiːtstrəʊk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhiːtstroʊk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.