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

Other Word Forms

• stuporous 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

At the camp, Ibrahim said, adults and children alike often wander around in a sort of stupor.

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A more severe and concerning case can cause neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness, or paralysis.

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But a recent FAA-funded study found two chemicals that can: formaldehyde, a known carcinogen and neurotoxin, and tridecane, which can cause headaches and stupor.

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Ronan, better known as a painter in New York’s contemporary art world, chronicles a collection of still lives who jostle themselves out of an emotional stupor.

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Since then residents have been in some kind of stupor, dazed, angry and tired.

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Related Words

• coma 
• slumber 
• trance