torpor

noun
UK: /ˈtɔːpər/
US: /ˈtɔːrpər/

  1. A state of inactivity or sluggishness; a period of reduced physical or mental activity.

    1. The heat made him fall into torpor.
    2. After the feast, a general torpor settled over the guests, as they relaxed in the warmth of the room, unable to summon the energy for conversation.

  2. A state of dormancy, especially in animals during cold or hot periods.

    1. Bears sleep in torpor during winter.
    2. During the drought, many animals entered a state of torpor to conserve energy until the rains returned to nourish the land.

Synonyms

apathy lethargy dormancy passivity
torpor intransitive-verb

  1. To be or become inactive or sluggish.

    1. The cat torpored in the sun.
    2. During the long winter months, the village seemed to torpor, with little activity beyond the essential tasks to survive.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "torpor" in English means: A state of inactivity or sluggishness; a period of reduced physical or mental activity., A state of dormancy, especially in animals during cold or hot periods..

The phonetic transcription of "torpor" is /ˈtɔːpər/ in British English and /ˈtɔːrpər/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "torpor": apathy, lethargy, dormancy, passivity.

Example usage of "torpor": "The heat made him fall into torpor.". More examples on the page.