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- Dictionarydehydrate/ˌdiːhʌɪˈdreɪt/
verb
- 1. cause (a person or their body) to lose a large amount of water: "the heat dehydrated us even when we stood still" Similar
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Dehydrate means to lose water, or to cause water to be lost from something, especially from a person's body. Learn how to use this verb in different contexts, see related words and phrases, and hear the pronunciation.
- English (US)
DEHYDRATE meaning: 1. to lose water, or to cause water to be...
- Znaczenie Dehydrate, Definicja W Cambridge English Dictionary
dehydrate definicja: 1. to lose water, or to cause water to...
- Dehydrate: Thai Translation
dehydrate translate: ขจัดน้ำออกไป. Learn more in the...
- Dehydrate in Arabic
DEHYDRATE translate: يُجَفّف. Learn more in the Cambridge...
- Translate English to German
dehydrate translate: Wasser entziehen, trocknen. Learn more...
- Translate English to Vietnamese
DEHYDRATE translate: khử nước. Learn more in the Cambridge...
- Translate English to French
dehydrate translate: déshydrater. Learn more in the...
- Dehydrate in Spanish
dehydrate translate: deshidratar, deshidratarse,...
- English (US)
Learn the meaning of dehydrate, a verb that can mean to remove water from something or to lose water or body fluids. See synonyms, examples, word history, and related entries.
Dehydrate means to lose water, or to cause something to lose water, especially from a person's body. Learn how to use this verb in different contexts, see related words and phrases, and hear the pronunciation.
to deprive (a chemical compound) of water or the elements of water. to free (fruit, vegetables, etc.) from moisture for preservation; dry. to remove water from (the body or a tissue). to deprive of spirit, force, or meaning; render less interesting or effectual.
- Overview
- Symptoms and Causes
- Diagnosis and Tests
- Management and Treatment
- Prevention
- Outlook / Prognosis
- Living With
Dehydration is the absence of enough water in your body. The best way to beat it is to drink before you get thirsty. If you’re thirsty, you’re already mildly dehydrated, and that can cause signs of dehydration like headache, fatigue, dizziness and more. Dehydration can contribute to life-threatening illnesses like heatstroke.
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OverviewSymptoms and CausesDiagnosis and TestsManagement and TreatmentPreventionOutlook / PrognosisLiving With
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What are the symptoms of dehydration?
If you suspect that you or your child is severely dehydrated, seek immediate medical attention. Signs of dehydration in kids include: Dry tongue and dry lips. No tears when crying. Fewer than six wet diapers per day (for infants), and no wet diapers or urination for eight hours (in toddlers). Sunken soft spot on your infant’s head. Sunken eyes. Dry, wrinkled skin. Deep, rapid breathing. Cool, blotchy hands and feet. Dehydration symptoms in adults may include: Headache, delirium and confusion. Tiredness (fatigue). Dizziness, weakness and lightheadedness. Dry mouth and/or a dry cough. High heart rate but low blood pressure. Loss of appetite but maybe craving sugar. Flushed (red) skin. Swollen feet. Muscle cramps. Heat intolerance or chills. Constipation. Dark-colored pee (urine). Your pee should be a pale, clear color.
What causes dehydration?
Dehydration happens when you don’t drink enough water, or when you lose water quickly through, for example, sweating, vomiting and/or diarrhea. Certain medications like diuretics (water pills) can result in increased urination and dehydration.
What are the complications of dehydration?
If you or your child has symptoms of severe dehydration, get medical care right away. Severe dehydration can lead to serious complications, including: Electrolyte imbalances. Heat-related illnesses like heatstroke. Kidney issues including kidney stones and kidney failure. Shock, coma and even death.
How is dehydration diagnosed?
If you feel thirsty, you’re already dehydrated. That’s the easiest way to tell that you need more fluids. If you see your healthcare provider for possible dehydration, they may diagnose the condition based on your symptoms and a physical exam. Laboratory tests can also diagnose dehydration. These tests may include: Blood tests to check your electrolyte levels and kidney function. Urine tests to check for possible causes of dehydration.
What is the fastest way to cure dehydration?
Drink water. You could also try increasing your hydration with oral rehydration sachets — powders you mix in with your water.
Can dehydration be prevented?
Yes, you can prevent dehydration by keeping track of how much fluid you drink. Drink water throughout the day, including at meals. Avoid soda, alcohol and caffeinated drinks. One way to make sure you’re properly hydrated is to check your pee. If it’s clear, pale or straw-colored, it’s OK. If it’s darker than that, keep drinking. To avoid dehydration, active people — people playing a sport or exercising — should drink at least 16 to 20 ounces (oz.) of fluids one to two hours before an outdoor activity. After that, you should consume six to 12 ounces of fluid every 10 to 15 minutes when you’re outside. When you’re finished with the activity, you should drink more. To replace what you’ve lost, drink at least another 16 to 24 ounces.
What is the outlook (prognosis) for dehydration?
By drinking more fluids, you can typically treat any bout of mild hydration. More moderate to severe cases of dehydration may require hospitalization for treatment with IV fluids. Left untreated, severe dehydration can lead to serious complications, including electrolyte imbalances, organ failure and death.
What can I drink for dehydration?
Always drink water immediately if you feel thirsty. Remember — if you feel thirsty, you’re already dehydrated. You may see the signs of dehydration improve in as little as five to 10 minutes.
When should you worry about dehydration in a baby?
Call your baby’s provider if your baby: Has any signs of dehydration. Has increased vomiting or diarrhea. Has no wet diapers or urination within eight hours. Is lethargic (sleeping more and less playful).
What questions should I ask my healthcare provider?
Questions you may want to ask your healthcare provider include: What caused me to become dehydrated? How can I prevent getting dehydrated in the future? Do I need to change my medications when I’m dehydrated? I don’t like water. Can I drink something else to stay hydrated? Should I give my child medication? If so, for how long and at what times of the day? When will my child start to feel better? Will I need to bring my child back for a follow-up visit? Are there certain foods or liquids my child should have or avoid? Which symptoms should I report to you/your office? A note from Cleveland Clinic Dehydration is a lack of sufficient water in your body. It can occur for many different reasons and it can be dangerous if left untreated. Remember — if you feel thirsty, you’re already dehydrated. Always drink water immediately if you feel thirsty. You may see the symptoms of dehydration improve in as little as five to 10 minutes. The amount of water needed on a daily basis depends on many factors, so it’s best to check in with your healthcare provider to determine exactly how much will keep you healthy. Medically Reviewed Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 06/05/2023. Learn more about our editorial process.
To dehydrate is to remove all of the water from, or to dry up. When you exercise a lot, it's good to drink water so that your body doesn't dehydrate. Signs of dehydration in a person?
Dehydrate means to remove water from or dry out something, especially food or tissues. It can also mean to lose water or bodily fluids, or to deprive a chemical compound of water or its elements.
