torpor

tor·por

noun \ˈtȯr-pər\

Definition of TORPOR

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

: apathy, dullness

Examples of TORPOR

1. The news aroused him from his torpor.
2. <after a lifetime of setbacks, defeats, and failures, he could only greet the latest bad news with a resigned fatalism and dull torpor>

Origin of TORPOR

Middle English, from Latin, from torpēre

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to TORPOR

Synonyms

apathy, casualness, complacence, disinterestedness, disregard, incuriosity, incuriousness, insouciance, nonchalance, indifference, unconcern

Antonyms

concern, interest, regard

Related Words

halfheartedness, lukewarmness, tepidity, tepidness; carelessness, heedlessness, recklessness, unawareness; lethargy, listlessness; aloofness, coldness, cool, detachment, dispassion; callosity, callousness, hard-heartedness, hardness, insensitivity; bloodlessness, impassiveness, impassivity, phlegm, stoicism, stolidity

Near Antonyms

attention, attentiveness, awareness, conscientiousness, curiosity, heedfulness, keenness; sensitivity, warmheartedness; bias, partiality, prejudice; ardor, desire, fervency, passion, vehemence, warmth, zeal

See Synonym Discussion at lethargy

Other Physiology Terms

eructation, flux, gustatory, menarche, myopia, senescence

tor·por

noun \ˈtȯr-pər\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of TORPOR

: a state of mental and motor inactivity with partial or total insensibility : extreme sluggishness or stagnation of function