torpor

American  

[tawr-per] / ˈtɔr pər /

noun

1. sluggish inactivity or inertia.

2. lethargic indifference; apathy.

   Synonyms:

   lethargy, listlessness, stolidity

3. a state of suspended physical powers and activities.

4. dormancy, as of a hibernating animal.

   Synonyms:

   drowsiness, slumber, sleepiness

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torpor British  

/ ˈtɔːpə /

noun

1. a state of torpidity

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Other Word Forms

• torporific adjective

Etymology

Origin of torpor

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

Explanation

Torpor is a state of mental and physical inactivity. "After a huge Thanksgiving meal, my family members fall into a torpor; no one can even pick up the TV remote." Torpor can be used in everyday speech, but it's also a scientific term for a state of deep sleep that allows animals to conserve energy. Certain species of bats, birds, and frogs rely on torpor for survival during tough times. While humans don't technically belong to this group of animals, they certainly appear to, especially after a large meal and on most Monday mornings.

Example Sentences

The best is that there’s reason to hope that somewhat higher rates are starting to shake Japan out of its multi-decade torpor.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 21, 2025

The Pacers never looked like shaking off their early season torpor on Monday despite facing a Detroit team missing both Cade Cunningham and Tobias Harris.

From Barron's • Nov. 18, 2025

While their immune systems keep the fungus at bay when the bat is active, the fungus gains the upper hand once the bats enter their state of torpor.

From Salon • Jul. 30, 2024

Owen’s torpor — his froggy, monotone way of talking, his incessant, suppressed discomfort — is draining.

From Los Angeles Times • May 2, 2024

For all its array of officials, Siuwensin was a very small, plain place, sunk deep in rural torpor.

From "The Left Hand of Darkness" by Ursula K. Le Guin