Heatstroke: meaning, definitions and examples
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heatstroke
[ ˈhiːtˌstroʊk ]
medical condition
Heatstroke is a serious medical condition that occurs when the body overheats, typically due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures or strenuous physical activity in the heat. It is a life-threatening emergency that can lead to damage to the brain and other vital organs. Symptoms include a high body temperature, altered mental state, nausea, rapid heartbeat, and lack of sweating even in high heat. Immediate medical attention is critical to prevent severe complications and death.
Synonyms
heat exhaustion, heat illness, overheating.
Examples of usage
- He was hospitalized for heatstroke after the marathon.
- Heatstroke can happen to anyone during a heatwave.
- She experienced heatstroke while hiking in the sun.
Translations
Translations of the word "heatstroke" in other languages:
🇵🇹 golpe de calor
🇮🇳 गर्मी के थपेड़े
🇩🇪 Hitzeschlag
🇮🇩 serangan panas
🇺🇦 тепловий удар
🇵🇱 udar cieplny
🇯🇵 熱中症
🇫🇷 coup de chaleur
🇪🇸 golpe de calor
🇹🇷 sıcak çarpması
🇰🇷 열사병
🇸🇦 ضربة شمس
🇨🇿 úpal
🇸🇰 úpal
🇨🇳 中暑
🇸🇮 sončni udar
🇮🇸 hitastig
🇰🇿 жылу соққы
🇬🇪 ცხელება
🇦🇿 isti vuruş
🇲🇽 golpe de calor
Etymology
The term 'heatstroke' comes from the combination of the words 'heat' and 'stroke'. The word 'heat' is derived from Old English 'hætu', which means warmth or hotness, and dates back to Proto-Germanic roots. 'Stroke' has a different origin, from the Old English 'strōc', meaning a blow or impact, which has evolved to represent a sudden event that can lead to damage or injury in a medical context. The use of the term 'heatstroke' in medical literature began to gain traction in the 20th century as physicians recognized the dangers associated with prolonged exposure to high temperatures, particularly in athletes and workers exposed to extreme heat. Awareness of this condition increased significantly during heat waves and as sports activities in the summer months became more popular.