stupor

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noun stu·por \ˈstü-pər, ˈstyü-\

Definition of stupor

1 : a condition of greatly dulled or completely suspended sense or sensibility a drunken stupor; specifically : a chiefly mental condition marked by absence of spontaneous movement, greatly diminished responsiveness to stimulation, and usually impaired consciousness
2 : a state of extreme apathy or torpor resulting often from stress or shock : daze

See stupor defined for English-language learners

See stupor defined for kids

Examples of stupor in a Sentence

He fell into a drunken stupor.
in a stupor of fatigue

Recent Examples of stupor from the Web

A drunken stupor isn’t exactly an option here; luckily, Louis-Dreyfus is smart enough to turn even feeble straight lines into funny anecdotes.

— chris smith, Daily Intelligencer, "Single (Not that there’s anything wrong with that!)", 30 June 2017
The University of Florida’s student body president got schooled in the criminal court system in Key West after pushing over motorcycles while in a drunken stupor March 7.

— gwen filosa, miamiherald, "UF student body president cuts deal for drunken Key West bout", 2 June 2017
Constand, who is gay, told police the pills left her in a stupor.

— Washington Post, "Cosby, daughter, lawyer speak out as sex assault trial looms", 26 Apr. 2017
The dollar did not remain stable and the successive punches of higher borrowing costs, weak export demand and cheap import competition knocked all three American industries into a financial stupor.

— edward lotterman, Twin Cities, "Real World Economics: Rising interest rates, bigger federal deficits a déjà vu of 1980s", 28 Jan. 2017
Severe cases can produce high fever, stupor, tremors and paralysis, and can prove fatal….

— bruce sterling, WIRED, "Planet Ark : Mosquito-Eating Fish Thrive in Foreclosed US Pools", 14 June 2008

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'stupor'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of stupor

Middle English, from Latin, from stupēre

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First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

Synonym Discussion of stupor

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

Other Medicine Terms

analgesia, angina, diabetes, hepatitis, homeopathy, logorrhea, palliate, pandemic

STUPOR Defined for English Language Learners

stupor

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noun

Definition of stupor for English Language Learners

: a condition in which someone is not able to think normally because of being drunk, drugged, tired, etc.

STUPOR Defined for Kids

stupor

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noun stu·por \ˈstü-pər, ˈstyü-\

Definition of stupor for Students

: a condition of being not alert or able to think normally

Medical Dictionary

stupor

play

noun stu·por \ˈst(y)ü-pər\

Medical Definition of stupor

: a condition of greatly dulled or completely suspended sense or sensibility a drunken stupor; specifically : a chiefly mental condition marked by absence of spontaneous movement, greatly diminished responsiveness to stimulation, and usually impaired consciousness