torpor

noun

tor·​por ˈtȯr-pər How to pronounce torpor (audio)
1
a
: a state of mental and motor inactivity with partial or total insensibility
b
: a state of lowered physiological activity typically characterized by reduced metabolism, heart rate, respiration, and body temperature that occurs in varying degrees especially in hibernating and estivating animals
2

Did you know?

The English word torpor is a 13th-century borrowing from Latin: torpōr-, torpor mean "numbness, paralysis, absence of energy, lethargy," and correspond to the Latin verb torpēre, meaning "to be numb, lack sensation; to be struck motionless; to be sluggish or lethargic." Early use of the English word is found in a 13th-century guide for religious recluses, where it refers to a spiritual or intellectual lethargy, but scant evidence of the word appears between that point and the 1600s, when the word began to be used in reference to both mental and physical sluggishness. The related adjective torpid (from the Latin adjective torpidus, meaning "numbed" or "paralyzed") has since the 15th century been used to mean "numb," but today it more often means "lacking in energy or vigor."

Choose the Right Synonym for torpor

lethargy, languor, lassitude, stupor, torpor mean physical or mental inertness.

lethargy implies such drowsiness or aversion to activity as is induced by disease, injury, or drugs.

months of lethargy followed my accident

languor suggests inertia induced by an enervating climate or illness or love.

languor induced by a tropical vacation

lassitude stresses listlessness or indifference resulting from fatigue or poor health.

a depression marked by lassitude

stupor implies a deadening of the mind and senses by shock, narcotics, or intoxicants.

lapsed into an alcoholic stupor

torpor implies a state of suspended animation as of hibernating animals but may suggest merely extreme sluggishness.

a once alert mind now in a torpor

Examples of torpor in a Sentence

The news aroused him from his torpor. after a lifetime of setbacks, defeats, and failures, he could only greet the latest bad news with a resigned fatalism and dull torpor
Recent Examples on the Web Japan’s economic torpor has important consequences beyond its borders. Richard Katz, Foreign Affairs, 31 Jan. 2024 What Is Torpor? While bears are famous for going dormant during icy times, what most species do is called torpor and not hibernation. Sofia Quaglia, Discover Magazine, 6 Dec. 2023 In addition, humans in torpor would need a lot less to keep going. Jackie Appel, Popular Mechanics, 5 May 2023 Though crucial for the fleet fliers’ way of life, deep torpor comes with trade-offs. Carolyn Wilke, Scientific American, 1 May 2022 Could voters zone out in moments of boredom instead of recognizing Glazer’s point: Some of history’s most appalling monsters masked their unspeakable cruelty in a facade of domestic torpor. Clayton Davis, Variety, 22 Dec. 2023 More recently, researchers at Washington University placed rats in a state of torpor by firing ultrasound at the hypothalamus, a brain region that regulates sleep and body temperature. Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 16 Oct. 2023 Interestingly, however, the same deterioration doesn’t happen if a body is in torpor. Jackie Appel, Popular Mechanics, 5 May 2023 Our glacial springs burble with the torpor and consistency of a melting pint of Phish Food ice cream. Emma Brewer, The New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'torpor.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Latin torpōr-, torpor "numbness, paralysis, absence of energy, lethargy," s-stem noun derivative corresponding to the stative verb torpēre "to be numb, lack sensation, be struck motionless, be sluggish or lethargic" — more at torpid

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of torpor was in the 13th century

Podcast

Dictionary Entries Near torpor

Cite this Entry

“Torpor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/torpor. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

torpor

noun
tor·​por ˈtȯr-pər How to pronounce torpor (audio)
1
a
: temporary loss or suspension of motion or feeling
b
: a state of lowered bodily activity (as during hibernation) that is a response to an unfavorable environmental condition (as cold or drought)
2
: apathy

Medical Definition

torpor

noun
tor·​por ˈtȯr-pər How to pronounce torpor (audio)
: a state of mental and motor inactivity with partial or total insensibility : extreme sluggishness or stagnation of function

More from Merriam-Webster on torpor

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!