torpor

[ tawr-per ]

noun

1. sluggish inactivity or inertia.
2. lethargic indifference; apathy.

   Synonyms: listlessness, stolidity, lethargy

3. a state of suspended physical powers and activities.
4. dormancy, as of a hibernating animal.

   Synonyms: drowsiness, sleepiness, slumber

torpor

/ ˈtɔːpə /

noun

1. a state of torpidity

Derived Forms

• ˌtorporˈific, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of torpor¹

1600–10; < Latin: numbness, equivalent to torp ( ēre ) to be stiff or numb + -or -or ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of torpor¹

C17: from Latin: inactivity, from torpēre to be motionless

Example Sentences

These are times of torpor in Paris, politically as well as economically.

From The Daily Beast

But it was first and foremost an attempt to wake up America from the torpor of the daily grind under its meritocratic overlords.

From The Daily Beast

After the feast comes an extended afternoon of tryptophanic torpor in front of the television, football's true home.

From The Daily Beast

Narcotic poisons are neutralized by vinegar:—Narcotics … torpor … strong wine … sour wine … vinegar.

From Project Gutenberg

I wanted to speak to him and tried to do so, but the torpor against which I was struggling prevented me for some minutes.

From Project Gutenberg

The dauphiness fell, half swooned, on the step of her praying-desk and dwelt in deadly torpor.

From Project Gutenberg

He sank into a kind of torpor, from which he was roused by the sound of applause and enthusiastic bravos.

From Project Gutenberg

It is what will come upon you if you don't throw off this torpor.

From Project Gutenberg