stupor

[ stoo-per, styoo- ]

noun

1. suspension or great diminution of sensibility, as in disease or as caused by narcotics, intoxicants, etc.:

   He lay there in a drunken stupor.

2. mental torpor; apathy; stupefaction.

   Synonyms: daze, lethargy, inertia

stupor

/ ˈstjuːpə /

noun

1. a state of unconsciousness
2. mental dullness; torpor

Derived Forms

• ˈstuporous, adjective

Other Words From

• stu·por·ous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of stupor¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin: “astonishment, insensibility,” equivalent to stup(ēre) “to be numb, to be stunned” + -or -or ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of stupor¹

C17: from Latin, from stupēre to be aghast

Example Sentences

On Tuesday, Blake and I downed $2 Miller High Life pints from happy hour to midnight before he came back to my place to watch Rihanna music videos until we passed out in a glorious, boyish stupor.

From Outside Online

It is a bit like parachuting into the tumor trenches where the armies of cellular soldiers engage in military actions, sometimes deceiving each other, sometimes waking each other up from their molecular stupor.

From Nautilus

Even after shaking off its hibernation stupor and focusing its gaze on Pieciul, the animal proceeded slowly, plodding toward him on broad paws that flattened the snow and claws that clung easily to the crust layer below.

From Outside Online

The first time I read the Bennett and Eklund papers, I sat in a chilled stupor.

From Nautilus

When he emerged from his drunken stupor, his relationship with Methot was kaput.

From The Daily Beast

Even their drinking fountain is famous: a urinal Papa lugged home in a stupor from his favorite bar.

From The Daily Beast

The good news is that the departure of Berlusconi could be a tonic that awakens Italy from a stupor of lassitude and indifference.

From The Daily Beast

Regions with intellectual vigor are more likely to bounce back; those without risk a stupor.

From The Daily Beast

Even in his alcoholic stupor, he instantly knew what it was.

From The Daily Beast

De Castellor was now in his seat; and when Castanos came off; the Duke was stunned into stupor, overcome by the illimitable ruin.

From Project Gutenberg

Tom sat for a long time before the open window in a state of half stupor, staring at the pictures his mind offered automatically.

From Project Gutenberg

The smoke is inhaled into the lungs, producing a momentary stupor and the operation is over.

From Project Gutenberg

The kind honest sympathy of this true friend roused Dorothy from her stupor of grief.

From Project Gutenberg

Hans Nilsen got up again, moving about as if he were in a stupor, and at last stood opposite her, as if he were about to speak.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• coma
• slumber
• trance