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

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

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

On June 14, I applied to renew my passport, bracing for months of frustration with bureaucratic apathy and torpor.

From Los Angeles Times

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

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

From Los Angeles Times