hebetude

noun

ˈhe-bə-ˌtüd How to pronounce hebetude (audio)
Definition of hebetudenext
as in boredom
physical or mental inertness faced with a class forever enveloped in a miasma of apathy and intellectual hebetude, the professor had little hope of kindling an interest in medieval European history

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of hebetude The leaden weight of an irremediable idleness descended upon General Feraud, who having no resources within himself sank into a state of awe-inspiring hebetude. — Ruth Walker, The Christian Science Monitor, 7 Sep. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hebetude
  1. boredom
  2. lethargy
  3. stupor
Noun
  • Common reasons your dog is barking Oftentimes, boredom or attention-seeking is at the root of barking.
    — Madeline Gunderson, USA Today, 28 July 2026
  • While the crews work to ensure their ships remain seaworthy, and movies and ping-pong serve as distractions, staving off boredom and depression is a struggle.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 27 July 2026
Definition of boredom
Noun
  • Contact your veterinarian even if your pet appears healthy, and seek emergency care for symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy or appetite loss.
    — Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 27 July 2026
  • Symptoms include coughing, rapid breathing, lethargy, and reluctance to exercise; open-mouth breathing in cats is an emergency.
    — Jen Reeder, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
Definition of lethargy
Noun
  • The sense is of a political culture reluctantly shaking off a decades-long stupor.
    — Michael Powell, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026
  • The severe strain of the virus often presents as a fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, or paralysis.
    — Mary Ella Hastings July 24, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 July 2026
Definition of stupor

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heck
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“Hebetude.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hebetude. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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