If a country's economy overheats or if conditions overheat it, it grows so rapidly that inflation and interest rates rise very quickly. The private sector is increasing its spending so sharply that the economy is overheating Their prime consideration has been not to overheat the economy. + overheated over·heat·ed the disastrous consequences of an overheated market
If something overheats or if you overheat it, it becomes hotter than is necessary or desirable. The engine was overheating and the car was not handling well Why do we pay to overheat pubs and hotels? + overheated over·heat·ed that stuffy, overheated apartment