torpor

noun

tor·​por ˈtȯr-pər 

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

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."

Synonyms

• disregard
• indifference

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

In the mid-to-late ’70s, when New York was sunk into the torpor of potential economic ruin, the city was fabled in another way. —Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 21 Apr. 2025

There are many reasons why putting humans into torpor for long-duration spaceflight is a good idea. —IEEE Spectrum, 15 Sep. 2016

His erotic energy jolts the community from its torpor. —Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 21 Mar. 2025

Their bodies go into a torpor where their heart rate and metabolism slows 20% to 50%. —Damon Arthur, USA TODAY, 27 Dec. 2024

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

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Kids Definition

torpor

noun

tor·​por ˈtȯr-pər 

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 

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